Polygon and Matic: What's the Difference? Unraveling the Confusion
Are you confused about the relationship between Polygon and Matic? You're not alone! The terms often seem interchangeable, leading to widespread misunderstanding. Let's clear things up once and for all.
Polygon vs. Matic: Understanding the Core Concepts
Essentially, Matic is the original name of this blockchain network. Think of it this way: Polygon is the evolved version of Matic Network – like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. Matic Network was the initial project with the main goal to scale Ethereum using Plasma technology.
The Name Change: From Matic Network to Polygon
Before the project changed its name in February 2025, Polygon was known as Matic network. This is a crucial piece of information to understand why the two names are so closely linked.
So, Are MATIC and Polygon the Same Thing?
While often used interchangeably, they have clear distinctions. Polygon generally refers to the blockchain network, while MATIC refers to the ecosystem's main token.
What is Polygon? A Scaling Framework
At its core, Polygon is a scaling framework that provides developers, businesses, and users with a versatile set of tools for building and connecting Ethereum-compatible blockchain networks. It's designed to solve the scalability problem on Ethereum.
The Role of MATIC: The Ecosystem's Main Token
MATIC serves multiple purposes within the Polygon network. It's used for:
- Securing the network through staking
- Paying transaction fees
- Participating in governance
MATIC on Polygon vs. MATIC on Ethereum: Understanding the Different Chains
It's important to distinguish between MATIC on the Polygon network and MATIC on the Ethereum blockchain. The short answer is: Matic (Eth) is an ERC20 token on the Ethereum blockchain. Matic (Polygon/Matic) is the native token on Polygon.
Polygon (Formerly Matic Network) vs. Matic Network: A Technical Perspective
Polygon (formerly Matic Network) and Matic Network are two different protocols that aim to solve the scalability problem on Ethereum. Both protocols use sidechains to confirm transactions off-chain before they are sent back to the main Ethereum blockchain. Polygon uses Plasma technology while Matic Network used Sidechains. Another difference is that...
In Simple Terms:
- Matic Network: The original project focused on scaling Ethereum with Plasma.
- Polygon: The evolved framework offering a broader range of scaling solutions and connecting Ethereum-compatible blockchains.
- MATIC: The cryptocurrency powering the Polygon network.