0x

0x is a decentralized exchange infrastructure designed to facilitate peer-to-peer trading of digital assets on the Ethereum blockchain. Launched in 2017, it provides developers with the tools to build their own decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and other DeFi applications. The platform utilizes a hybrid approach, combining off-chain relay orders with on-chain settlements to enhance transaction efficiency and reduce costs.

0x supports both state channels and automated market makers (AMMs), enabling users to trade ERC-20 tokens and other assets seamlessly. Its native cryptocurrency, ZRX, plays a crucial role in governance and is used to pay trading fees to relayers who facilitate trades. The protocol's architecture allows for faster transaction processing and lower gas fees compared to traditional on-chain DEXs.

By leveraging 0x's open-source infrastructure, developers can create customized trading platforms tailored to specific user needs. This flexibility makes 0x a foundational layer for many DeFi applications, supporting a wide range of decentralized exchanges across multiple blockchains. The platform's focus on reducing friction in the trading process has positioned it as a key player in the broader DeFi ecosystem.