zkSync Ecosystem Interaction Guide

To make it easier and more seamless for users to engage with the zkSync Era ecosystem—and to enhance their chances of qualifying for future airdrops—Web3 wallets have organized zkSync ecosystem projects into six primary categories: cross-chain bridges, decentralized exchanges (DEXs), lending, contracts, NFTs, and domains. Each category features detailed tutorials for interacting with representative projects throughout the zkSync ecosystem.

Cross-Chain Bridge Projects in the zkSync Ecosystem

The zkSync Era ecosystem includes a range of cross-chain bridge solutions, such as zkSync Era Bridge, Orbiter Finance, and Celer Network. These platforms enable users to efficiently transfer assets between different blockchains within the zkSync ecosystem.

To use Orbiter Finance, first, transfer ETH from Ethereum Mainnet to zkSync Era using the Swap feature in your Web3 wallet. Launch your wallet, select the Swap option, choose the appropriate mainnet and token, confirm the details, verify the information, and enter your password.

To add zkSync Era Mainnet to your wallet, open your Web3 wallet, select "All Mainnets" in the upper right, click "+ Add Mainnet," and type "zkSync" in the search bar. Next, use the DApp browser to search for "Orbiter Finance," select "zkSync Era Mainnet," and confirm to enter. The application will automatically connect to your Web3 wallet, allowing you to select the mainnet and amount to swap before confirming and entering your password.

Decentralized Exchange Projects in the zkSync Ecosystem

The zkSync Era ecosystem features several decentralized exchange platforms, including iZUMi Finance, SyncSwap, Velocore, Mute.io, SpaceFi, Rhino.fi, Onchain Trade, Maverick Protocol, and MES Protocol. When trading on these platforms, it is essential to choose token pairs with strong liquidity to minimize slippage and trading losses.

To trade on iZUMi Finance, open the DApp browser in your Web3 wallet, search for "Izumi Finance," and confirm. At the bottom of the DApp, select "iZiSwap," choose the token you want to trade, enter the amount, and confirm the transaction. To add liquidity to this zkSync ecosystem protocol, return to the DApp’s main page, select the "Liquidity" tab, click the "+" icon, and choose both the token pairs and the applicable fee tiers. After entering the amount for the first token, the system will automatically calculate the amount of the second token.

For SyncSwap, after bridging ETH and adding zkSync Era Mainnet, use the DApp browser to search for "Syncswap." Connect your wallet by selecting your Web3 wallet, enter the token pairs you wish to exchange, and confirm the transaction. To provide liquidity, click "Pool" in the upper right menu, choose a pool, enter the deposit amount, and confirm the transaction.

Lending Projects in the zkSync Ecosystem

The zkSync Era ecosystem offers several lending protocols such as ReactorFusion and Eralend. These platforms allow users to supply assets as collateral and borrow other assets, expanding DeFi opportunities within the zkSync ecosystem.

To supply assets on Eralend, first bridge ETH from Ethereum Mainnet. Access the DApp browser in your Web3 wallet, search for "Eralend," and confirm. The app will connect automatically if zkSync Era Mainnet is already integrated with your wallet. Once connected, browse the protocol, select the token to supply or use as collateral, and enable "Use as collateral" if you plan to borrow later. After authorizing the collateral, click "Supply" and confirm the transaction.

To borrow, if you have ETH as collateral, you may borrow USDC. Select "USDC," then "Borrow," enter the desired amount (up to your maximum limit), and confirm. To repay, select "USDC," then "Repay," approve USDC usage, enter the repayment amount, select "Repay," and confirm.

NFT Projects in the zkSync Ecosystem

The zkSync Era ecosystem includes NFT platforms such as Mint Square, zk Bored Apes, zkEagles, and zkApe. These projects let users mint, buy, and sell non-fungible tokens within the zkSync ecosystem.

To use Mint Square, add zkSync Era Mainnet to your Web3 wallet by selecting "All Mainnets," clicking "+ Add Mainnet," and entering "zkSync" in the search. Then, open the DApp browser, search for "Mint Square," and confirm. Tap the wallet logo in the upper right, select "connect wallet," and choose your Web3 wallet to connect.

To mint an NFT on this platform, click "Mint," upload your image, fill in the name and required information (fields marked with an asterisk are mandatory), click "Mint," verify the details, and confirm.

Futures Projects in the zkSync Ecosystem

UniDex is a leading futures trading platform in the zkSync Era ecosystem. Before using the DApp, bridge ETH from Ethereum Mainnet to zkSync Era.

To start trading on UniDex, add zkSync Era Mainnet to your Web3 wallet. Access the DApp browser, search for "UniDex," and confirm. Tap the wallet icon in the lower right, select "Connect Wallet," and choose your Web3 wallet to connect.

To open a trade, select "Leverage" to access the trading platform, where you can review your account’s buying power. Approve USDC usage before trading. Enter the amount, select the leverage multiplier, choose either a "Long" or "Short" position, review the details, confirm the order, and complete the transaction.

To close a position, return to the trading platform, scroll down, and click the "x" icon to close your position. Review the details, click "Close Position," and confirm to finalize the transaction.

Domain Projects in the zkSync Ecosystem

The zkSync Era ecosystem features decentralized domain services like zkSync Name Service and ZNS Domain. These platforms allow users to register custom blockchain domain names and establish their identity within the zkSync ecosystem.

To use zkSync Name Service, add zkSync Era Mainnet to your Web3 wallet. Then, access the DApp browser, search for "zkSync," and select "zkSync Name Service (zkNS)." The app will automatically connect to the zkSync Name Service DApp.

Enter your desired domain, click "Search," and if available, proceed to mint. Choose your registration period and click "Register with ETH" to confirm.

After registration, return to the zkSync Name Service DApp’s main page and select the "Person" icon. Your registered domain will appear, and you can click it for more details. You may extend the registration period and add information such as wallet address, personal website, email, and even an NFT profile image. Click "Confirm" to upload this information to the blockchain, paying the required gas fees.

Minting domains on zkSync Era is fast and straightforward, typically taking less than three minutes to complete using your Web3 wallet.

Conclusion

The zkSync Era ecosystem delivers a broad spectrum of projects and opportunities for users to engage with decentralized applications across multiple categories. These range from cross-chain bridges for asset transfers, to decentralized exchanges for high-liquidity swaps, lending protocols for yield and liquidity, NFT platforms democratizing token creation, futures trading for leveraged strategies, and decentralized domains for blockchain identity management.

Web3 wallets offer a streamlined, user-friendly interface to interact with all zkSync ecosystem projects, simplifying connections and transactions in every category. By following the detailed tutorials for each project type, users can maximize their engagement with zkSync Era and potentially boost their chances of qualifying for future airdrops. With low transaction fees, rapid processing speeds, and an expanding pool of innovative projects, zkSync stands out as a compelling ecosystem for decentralized finance exploration and adoption.

FAQ

What is zkSync?

zkSync is a Layer 2 protocol for Ethereum that leverages zkRollup technology to deliver scalable, low-cost transactions. It operates without reliance on intermediaries, increasing Ethereum’s transaction speed and lowering fees.

What are the disadvantages of zkSync?

zkSync faces limitations in EVM compatibility and carries smart contract risk. Competing solutions with broader compatibility challenge its adoption and reliability.

What is the future of zkSync?

zkSync’s future is bright, with faster transactions and strategic partnerships in crypto payroll and banking. Its technology is driving innovations that reduce operational costs for global web3 businesses.

How do I use zkSync? What are the main steps to get started?

To use zkSync, first bridge ETH from Ethereum Mainnet to zkSync via the official ZkBridge. Once complete, you can start transacting and interacting with smart contracts on the Layer 2 network.

What are the key projects and dApps in the zkSync ecosystem?

Notable projects include SyncSwap, Mute.io, and Velocore, which focus on decentralized finance. ReactorFusion, veSync, EraLend, and Holdstation DeFutures also stand out, providing diverse DeFi and trading solutions on the network.

How does zkSync compare to other Layer 2 solutions like Arbitrum or Optimism?

zkSync utilizes zk-rollup technology to offer much lower fees and faster transaction speeds than Arbitrum and Optimism. It delivers superior scalability for Ethereum users, especially in complex use cases.