What is Lightning Network?

Imagine the Bitcoin blockchain is like a busy highway where all the cars (transactions) have to travel. When the traffic (number of transactions) gets heavy, there's a jam, and the cars move slowly. Plus, each car (transaction) has to pay a toll (transaction fee). Now, the Lightning Network is like a set of side roads or alleys built to help with this traffic. Not all cars need to be on the main highway. Some can take these side roads, which allows them to quickly move from one place to another without the main highway's congestion and without having to pay a toll. In this analogy:

• The main highway represents the main Bitcoin blockchain.
• The side roads or alleys represent Lightning Network payment channels.
• The cars represent transactions.
• The tolls represent transaction fees. By using the Lightning Network, Bitcoin users can 'take the side roads,' meaning they can make transactions quickly and at a low cost without having to go through the main Bitcoin blockchain every time. This makes small payments more practical and efficient.