What Is the Difference between an Atomic Swap and a Cross-Chain Bridge?
An atomic swap is a direct, peer-to-peer exchange of assets between two different blockchains without an intermediary, ensuring DVP. A cross-chain bridge, conversely, is an infrastructure that locks an asset on one chain and mints a wrapped, representative token on another.
Bridges typically rely on validators or custodians, introducing counterparty risk, whereas atomic swaps are trustless.
Glossar
Bridge
Nexus ⎊ The term "Bridge" within cryptocurrency, options trading, and financial derivatives signifies a mechanism facilitating the transfer of assets or value between disparate systems, protocols, or markets.
Cross-Chain
Transfer ⎊ Cross-chain capability refers to the mechanism enabling the atomic movement of digital assets and data between distinct, sovereign blockchain networks.
Atomic Swaps
Exchange ⎊ A protocol allowing for the direct, peer-to-peer exchange of one cryptocurrency for another across disparate blockchain networks without the need for a centralized intermediary or custodian.
Atomic Swap
Mechanism ⎊ An atomic swap facilitates the peer-to-peer exchange of one cryptocurrency for another directly between two parties without relying on a centralized intermediary or custodian.