What is Starknet?

Jonathan
4 min readNov 16, 2023

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Introduction

Blockchain technology has vastly changed the way we transact and store information securely. However, it ultimately faces one major problem: scalability. (Scalability) The number of users and transactions on the blockchain network increases. The network also becomes slower and costs increase. This scaling issue has prevented blockchain technology from gaining widespread adoption across industries.

Through StarkNet, the efficiency problem of scalability in blockchain technology has been significantly solved. By being a zk-rollup system with unlimited permissions. Built on the Ethereum network

StarkNet is a solution that drives blockchain scalability. and is allowed to be used without restrictions Known as zk-rollup, StarkNet is also built on top of the Ethereum network.

StarkNet acts as a Layer2 solution, enabling Decentralized Unlimited Applications(DApps) Unlimited scalability of calculations At the same time, it maintains the security of the system like Ethereum.

What is Starknet?

StarkNet is an advanced Layer 2 solution designed to scale Ethereum and reduce network congestion. Through the use of zk-STARKs technology. Zero-Knowledge that increases data security privacy and scalability. By using StarkNet, developers can build and deploy SmartContract that is highly efficient in an environment Decentralized without having to worry about expensive transaction fees or risking the security of their applications

The aim of StarkNet is to provide a platform for developing DApps that require high performance and low transaction costs. This makes it especially suitable for industrial groups such as Decentralized finance (DeFi), Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), and Gaming (GameFi).

With flexibility and features Developers can use the Cairo language and take advantage of StarkNet’s power and customizability to create DApps.

StarkWare, the team behind StarkNet, is an Israel-based company. It is focused on building a Layer 2 blockchain for Ethereum. In addition to StarkNet + StarkWare, it is also developing another product called StarkEx, which focuses on scalability and efficiency for decentralized exchanges (DEX).

The technology behind Starknet

StarkNet uses an advanced technology called zk-STARKs to achieve scalability as a Layer2 solution.

So what is zk-STARKs? It is cryptographic. Developed by StarkWare and playing a key role in maintaining the integrity and privacy of computations in the blockchain, Zk-STARKs allow blockchains to move complex computations off-chain to STARK provers that then generate Cryptographic Proofs. These Cryptographic Proofs are verified on-chain by a STARK verifier to verify the correctness of the calculations.

To make zk-STARKs accurate, StarkWare has combined Modern Algebra with proven hash functions such as quasi-linear PCPs, interactive oracle proofs (IOPs), and fast algebraic coding protocols such as FRI.

This makes their STARK prover and verifier fast. Better than other crypto structures, this technology requires fewer cryptographic assumptions and is safe against quantum attacks. It is also reported in a transparent manner, meaning no risky cryptographic assumptions are used during installation and there are no hidden vulnerabilities.

StarkNet offers a robust platform that enables processing SmartContract It is efficient and worth the cost. It achieves this ability through the integration of various features that play important roles in the ecosystem.

Contract registry: The contract registry is a recorder for all smart contracts deployed on StarkNet. It maintains a detailed list of these contracts. Makes access and work easier It’s like an address book that helps you find the right contract for the job you want to work on.

ZK operator: is the ZK proof operator. It creates proofs for transactions and sends them for processing. It also handles a special type of data structure called a Merkle tree, which is used to construct these proofs. The ZK operator ensures that proofs are generated accurately and reliably.

Execution manager (EM): EM is like the orchestra leader of StarkNet. EM manages the processing of smart contracts and manages transactions. Every time a transaction occurs, EM updates the network status as appropriate. EM ensures that everything happens smoothly and completely.

Verifier: An inspector is like a detective who has an eye and expertise in checking for accuracy. created by user These checks are essential for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of executed contracts. and make sure everything is correct.

Cairo programming language: StarkNet was built using the Cairo programming language. This language is tailored specifically for zk-STARKs, the Cairo crypto-proof system, giving developers the power to write SmartContracts. complex and safe It favors districts that allow developers to test their contracts. in their own system first that will be used in the StarkNet network, ensuring reliability and efficiency

Proof verifier factory: The proof verifier factory is responsible for creating new verifiers and managing their lifecycle, ensuring that the system has enough verifiers to effectively manage the verification process.

Storage: StarkNet has a storage tier that is used to store SmartContract and data extraction This storage layer is based on the Merkle tree, which is an efficient data structure. It provides quick and easy access to contract-related information. Due to the storage of this information Makes grooving with SmartContract faster and smoother.

Gateway: Gateway is a connector between Ethereum and StarkNet. It allows users to deposit and withdraw funds from StarkNet using the Ethereum network. This connection makes it convenient for users to move their assets between the two platforms and benefit from Advantages offered by StarkNet

StarkNet achieves scalability through zk-STARKs, a state-of-the-art crypto technology called Zk-STARKs that allows off-chain computation and on-chain verification. This preserves the integrity and privacy of computations in the blockchain. StarkNet’s base level technologies such as Cairo, STARK Proof, and STARK Verifier have been tested in war and proven their reliability and performance in real-world deployment environments.

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