Usage of zk-SNARKs and zk-STARKsUsage of zk‑SNARKs and zk‑STARKs
To address the distinct roles of zk‑SNARKs and zk‑STARKs in the ZKP ecosystem, their applications are clarified based on their technical properties and trade‑offs.
zk‑SNARKs: On‑Chain Verification
zk‑SNARKs are employed for on‑chain verification due to their efficiency in blockchain environments. Key advantages include:
Compact Proof Size
Approximately 288 bytes, minimizing storage and bandwidth demands on‑chain.
Fast Verification
Around 2 milliseconds, enabling rapid transaction processing in decentralized systems.
Compact Proof Size
Approximately 288 bytes, minimizing storage and bandwidth demands on‑chain.
Fast Verification
Around 2 milliseconds, enabling rapid transaction processing in decentralized systems.
Compact Proof Size
Approximately 288 bytes, minimizing storage and bandwidth demands on‑chain.
Fast Verification
Around 2 milliseconds, enabling rapid transaction processing in decentralized systems.
Compact Proof Size
Approximately 288 bytes, minimizing storage and bandwidth demands on‑chain.
Fast Verification
Around 2 milliseconds, enabling rapid transaction processing in decentralized systems.
These properties make zk‑SNARKs ideal for applications requiring frequent, lightweight verifications, such as smart contract execution or transaction validation.
zk‑STARKs: Off‑Chain Computations
zk‑STARKs are utilized for off‑chain computations where additional security and transparency are prioritized. Their strengths include:
No Trusted Setup
Unlike zk‑SNARKs, zk‑STARKs are fully transparent, avoiding potential vulnerabilities from setup ceremonies.
Post‑Quantum Security
Resistant to quantum computing attacks, ensuring long‑term robustness.
No Trusted Setup
Unlike zk‑SNARKs, zk‑STARKs are fully transparent, avoiding potential vulnerabilities from setup ceremonies.
Post‑Quantum Security
Resistant to quantum computing attacks, ensuring long‑term robustness.
No Trusted Setup
Unlike zk‑SNARKs, zk‑STARKs are fully transparent, avoiding potential vulnerabilities from setup ceremonies.
Post‑Quantum Security
Resistant to quantum computing attacks, ensuring long‑term robustness.
No Trusted Setup
Unlike zk‑SNARKs, zk‑STARKs are fully transparent, avoiding potential vulnerabilities from setup ceremonies.
Post‑Quantum Security
Resistant to quantum computing attacks, ensuring long‑term robustness.
Despite larger proof sizes (e.g., ~100KB) and slower verification times (e.g., ~10ms), zk‑STARKs excel in scenarios like private off‑chain computations or data aggregation where these trade‑offs are acceptable.
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