What I Built
A clean UI for bridging ETH from Ethereum Sepolia testnet to Base Sepolia using the native OP Stack bridge contract. Users connect wallets, enter amounts, and execute cross-chain transfers with 15-20 minute settlement.
Built with Next.js, WalletConnect, and direct integration with the OP Stack bridge contract. Deployed live on Railway.
What I Learned
- •OP Stack bridge mechanics: how the native bridge contract handles L1→L2 transfers, why settlement takes 15-20 minutes, and what happens under the hood.
- •Wallet integration patterns: WalletConnect setup, handling network switching, and managing transaction states in the UI.
- •Testnet workflows: building on testnet first reduces risk, but also means debugging issues that do not exist on mainnet (faucet availability, chain instability).
- •Bridge UX matters: users need clear feedback on transaction status, settlement time, and irreversibility. The technical implementation is simple; the UX is what makes it usable.
Why Bridges Matter
Understanding how L1→L2 bridges work is critical for evaluating Layer 2 strategies. Most bridge exploits and UX failures come from misunderstanding settlement finality and trust assumptions. Having built one (even on testnet) means I can assess bridge designs for real projects.