What is a blockchain intent?

A blockchain intent is a user-defined objective that outlines what someone wants to achieve on a blockchain network without specifying the exact steps to get there. Unlike traditional transactions that require detailed instructions for each step, intents focus on the desired outcome, allowing the underlying system to determine the optimal execution path.
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Think of blockchain intents like giving directions to a taxi driver. Instead of providing turn-by-turn directions (traditional transactions), you simply tell the driver your destination (the intent) and trust them to find the best route. This declarative approach shifts users from defining "how" something should happen to expressing "what" they want to accomplish.

When users express an intent, it enters a discovery system where specialized actors called solvers compete to fulfill the request. These solvers analyze available options across multiple blockchain networks, considering factors like transaction fees, network congestion, and market conditions to determine the most efficient execution path.

Traditional blockchain interactions require users to manually manage complex operations like paying gas fees in native tokens and ensuring compatibility with specific chain requirements. For someone wanting to move stablecoins between networks, this might involve multiple steps: bridging assets, finding compatible exchanges, and executing separate transactions.

With blockchain intents, users can simplify these multi-step processes into a single declaration. Rather than specifying every step in a cross-chain token swap, a user could simply state their intent to "swap 1000 USDC for ETH at the best rate" and let the system handle the complexity.

The formalization of intents has advanced significantly with standards like ERC-7683: Cross Chain Intents Standard. This Ethereum Improvement Proposal, developed by Uniswap Labs and Across Protocol, introduces a standardized framework for expressing and verifying intents across different blockchain networks.

ERC-7683 addresses the growing fragmentation in the multi-chain ecosystem, where thousands of cryptocurrencies exist across Layer-1, Layer-2, and Layer-3 networks. This standardization enables different protocols to understand and fulfill cross-chain requests consistently, much like how Eco's unified approach streamlines stablecoin interactions across multiple networks.

Intent-based systems deliver several key advantages:

Leading protocols demonstrate the practical value of intent-based architecture. CoW Protocol uses batch auctions to match user intents, creating "Coincidences of Wants" that can eliminate external liquidity requirements entirely. UniswapX pioneered cross-chain intents for DEX trading, while platforms like 1inch Fusion apply similar principles to optimize token swaps.

The intent-based approach aligns perfectly with Eco's mission of making stablecoin transactions as simple as possible. Where users previously needed deep technical knowledge to navigate multiple networks and protocols, intent systems enable them to focus on outcomes rather than implementation complexity.

As blockchain ecosystems continue expanding with new layers and bridges, intent-based architecture represents a critical evolution toward mainstream adoption. By abstracting away the technical complexity that currently barriers entry to onchain applications, intents enable users of varying technical expertise to engage with decentralized protocols seamlessly.

This shift toward intent-centric design promises to transform how we interact with blockchain technology, making complex operations as intuitive as traditional web applications while preserving the security and decentralization that make blockchain valuable.