Interoperability is like having a universal translator that allows different people who speak different languages to understand each other perfectly.

In the world of blockchains, it means that different networks, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, can talk to each other, share information, or send assets to each other.

This helps the entire digital ecosystem work in a more connected and efficient way, no matter what technology each network uses.

Interoperability in the blockchain context refers to the technical and functional capacity that allows different distributed networks —with different architectures, programming languages and consensus mechanisms— communicate, share data and operate together safely and reliably.

This principle is essential to overcome the natural isolation of blockchains (blockchain silos), facilitating flows of information, assets and contract logic between ecosystems such as Ethereum, Polkadot, Cosmos, Avalanche or Bitcoin.

Interoperability is implemented through bridges that connect heterogeneous networks, interchain messaging protocols such as IBC (Inter-Blockchain Communication) in Cosmos, or solutions such as LayerZero, Wormhole and Polkadot's XCM, which offer cross-chain messaging or remote execution of functions between smart contracts. This capability not only enables cross-chain asset transactions, but it also opens the door to composable multichain dApps, interoperable marketplaces, integrated financial services (DeFi), and a smoother user experience in Web3.

The current challenge lies in balancing security, speed and decentralization, as well as avoiding attack vectors when connecting separate environments. Interoperability, therefore, is key to the scalability and mass adoption of Web3, and will be decisive in the future of decentralized ecosystems.