The launch of Ethereum’s Layer 1 zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (zkEVM) marks the beginning of a new era for the world’s top smart contract platform.
Scalability, privacy, and decentralization throughout the blockchain ecosystem are poised to be revolutionized by this initial step in a broader shift toward the complete adoption of zero-knowledge proof (ZK).
An optional Layer 1 zkEVM client marks the first step toward complete ZK adoption. Instead of re-running each transaction, validators could decide to use ZK proofs to validate blocks. The “opt-in” step allowed the community to perform formal verification, audits, and battle-test the technology.
Producing ZK proofs for 99 percent of mainnet blocks in less than 10 seconds, well within Ethereum’s 12-second block slot, was a significant milestone in the development of “real-time proving.”
As confidence increased, more validators began using zkEVM clients. Now, with a supermajority of validators using ZK clients, the network is poised to make zkEVM verification the default. This will enable Ethereum to handle native zk-rollups, safely increase its gas cap, and enable more protocol enhancements.
zkEVM: What Is It And Why Does Ethereum Care?
zkEVM is a virtual machine that works with Ethereum. It utilizes zero-knowledge proofs to verify the accuracy of smart contracts and transactions. Through the use of zkEVM, validators can verify concise cryptographic proofs rather than re-executing every transaction. This significantly reduces computing overhead and enables the creation of a new class of applications.
The shift of Ethereum to a ZK-centric architecture addresses several persistent issues, including decentralization, privacy, and scalability.
By enabling quicker and less expensive block validation, ZK proofs allow Ethereum to handle many more users and transactions without compromising security. This enables secure enterprise use cases, secret voting, and confidential DeFi, allowing transactions to be verified without disclosing sensitive information.
Ethereum has the potential to become a new worldwide benchmark for decentralized technology in the years to come as the network continues its ZK journey.
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