In the past year, the term "modularization" has been loudly echoed in the crypto space. Data Layer modularization, execution layer modularization, settlement layer modularization—projects seem outdated if they don't fit into this framework.

But to be honest, many projects are just labeled as modular, but deep down, they still follow the old, comprehensive approach. True modularity is not just a slogan, but a form of restraint: knowing what you should do and what you shouldn't. Excel at what you are good at, and leave the rest to more specialized people.

Take Injective for example, its development path is quite interesting. It is not a project that immediately shouts "We are a modular chain", but rather it has steadily entered from the financial scenario, gradually demonstrating what modularity should look like.

Its execution layer focuses on building a high-performance trading engine—matching, Settlement, order book, the core logic of on-chain finance. Data availability and state management? Leave it to the mature framework of Cosmos SDK. Cross-chain communication? Use the already proven protocol IBC directly. Developers want to use different virtual machines? CosmWasm and EVM support are all ready for you.

Each layer has its own duties, it's not just a forced assembly, but a truly breathing system.

If we understand modularization as "specialized division of labor + efficient collaboration," Injective has interpreted this logic very well. It has never aimed to be a super L1 that crams everything in, but rather is very clear about its positioning - to build the strongest on-chain trading and DeFi infrastructure.

What about the others? Connecting to other chains with specific capabilities through IBC, allowing developers to freely choose their tool stack through multiple virtual machine compatibility. This design philosophy essentially acknowledges that no single chain can dominate everything, but it can excel in its own area and then seamlessly integrate with others.

This is what modularization should look like—it's not conceptual packaging, but a true architectural consciousness.