Introduction
Aurora is a cutting-edge Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) implemented on the NEAR Protocol. It offers developers a scalable, high-throughput platform for deploying Ethereum-compatible applications with significantly reduced transaction costs. Backed by industry-leading venture capital firms such as Pantera Capital, Electric Capital, and Dragonfly Capital, Aurora leverages the advanced features of NEAR Protocol to provide a seamless experience for Ethereum developers and users alike.
Ethereum Compatibility and the Aurora EVM
Full Ethereum Compatibility
Aurora provides an environment where Ethereum native applications can be directly ported without any modifications, maintaining the use of familiar Ethereum tooling and Solidity smart contracts. This compatibility is facilitated by the Aurora Engine, a high-performance EVM running as a smart contract on NEAR.
Transaction Costs and Base Currency
Aurora maintains ETH as its base currency, ensuring a smooth user experience for dApp users accustomed to the Ethereum ecosystem. The platform’s innovative architecture and NEAR’s underlying technology allow for transaction costs to be as low as ~$0.02, offering a cost-effective alternative to Ethereum’s gas fees.
The Rainbow Bridge and Asset Transfer
Aurora’s development includes the Rainbow Bridge, a trustless bridge enabling asset transfers between Ethereum, NEAR, and Aurora. This bridge supports the movement of ETH and ERC-20 tokens, providing a seamless connection between the ecosystems. Further integrations with bridges from other networks enhance Aurora’s interoperability.
Key Features and Infrastructure
High Throughput and Scalability
Aurora benefits from NEAR Protocol’s delegated Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism and dynamic resharding (Nightshade), offering unparalleled transaction speeds and scalability within an Ethereum-compatible framework.
SputnikVM and Additional Precompiles
Powered by SputnikVM, Aurora extends the capabilities of the standard EVM with additional precompiles, allowing for enhanced interaction with the NEAR ecosystem. These precompiles include functions for interacting with NEAR contracts and transferring assets between networks.
Aurora Chains
Aurora Chains are EVM-compatible blockchains built on NEAR, offering customized blockchain environments with no need for additional validators. These chains provide configurable features like base tokens, gas mechanics, and permission levels, enabling businesses to tailor their blockchain solutions.
Network Information and Endpoints
Aurora is accessible via its Mainnet and Testnet, with RPC and WSS endpoints available for developers. The network’s Chain ID for Mainnet is 1313161554, and for Testnet, it’s 1313161555, facilitating easy connection and interaction through tools like MetaMask and Hardhat.
Governance and Future Directions
Aurora’s governance adopts a hybrid approach, combining a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (AuroraDAO) with a traditional entity holding seats within the DAO. This structure ensures a balanced and community-driven development of the platform.
