Cross-chain bridge

A cross-chain bridge is a protocol that enables the transfer of assets or messages between different blockchain networks. Bridges typically work by locking, escrowing, or otherwise accounting for an asset on the source chain, then minting, releasing, or crediting a corresponding representation on the destination chain. Some bridges focus on asset transfers, while others focus on cross-chain messaging that triggers actions on another network. Because different blockchains maintain separate ledgers and consensus rules, a cross-chain bridge acts as an external coordination layer that tracks activity on one chain and reflects it on another chain under its own design and security model.

A user holds USDC on Ethereum but wants to use a Solana-based app that accepts USDC on Solana. The user can use a cross-chain bridge to lock USDC on Ethereum and receive a corresponding bridged version on Solana.