Navigating the zk landscape — learnings from Devconnect Istanbul 2023 🚀
Embarking on a journey through the cutting-edge realm of zero-knowledge proofs and Layer 2 scaling solutions is akin to exploring uncharted territories in the ever-evolving landscape of blockchain. As a privileged scholar attending the Devconnect Istanbul week, I found myself immersed in a whirlwind of insights, dialogues, and innovations that promise to reshape the landscape of decentralized technologies.
From engaging conversations with thought leaders to deep dives into various zero-knowledge protocols, the week was an illuminating exploration of what’s on the horizon for the zk and L2 ecosystem. This blog is an attempt to guiding you through the labyrinth of advancements, providing a comprehensive overview, and distilling the essence of what I gathered during this transformative experience.
The first interaction with zk started right from the entry to the devconnect events where Zupass (an open-source tool built by developers from the Devconnect and Zuzalu communities) was used to verify event attendance and it was all backed by zk-proofs.
Now let’s get to the real deal: With numerous zk based solutions available which ecosystem to choose and why can be challenging. As a dev my goal was to attend as many zk events as I could to understand what people are building in this space and what infrastructural or developer focused problems each one of the chains/protocols are solving for.
When we think of Ethereum and scalabililty — L2 comes to our mind and when we think of faster transactions and privacy coupled with scalability : rollups and ZK come into light. I started with attending the Starknet hackerhouse and listening to the different solutions that were built — from on chain ML proofs to cross chain secure bridges. Whenever we talk about ZK and cryptography — it’s either rust based ecosystem or the snark and circom based ecosystem and honestly, the learning curve can be really steep when learning to write programmable circuits for your business logics.
ZKPs offer many other features that make them essential components of various scaling and privacy solutions, including ZK aggregations like StarkNet, private ZK aggregations like Aztec, and Layer 1 chains like Mina, Filecoin, Manta and Aleo.
Let’s explore the few popular ones:
StarkNet: Turing Complete zk-Rollups
StarkNet, stands out by offering Turing-complete smart contracts within a scalable zk-Rollup framework. Distinguishing itself from zkSync and Polygon zkEVM, StarkNet provides unparalleled flexibility, supporting intricate smart contracts with diverse functionalities. This makes it a versatile choice for a wide array of decentralized applications extending beyond token transfers.
zkSync: Swift and Affordable Token Transfers
Revolutionizing token transfers, zkSync, a leading zk-Rollup solution, streamlines the process by combining speed, affordability, and robust security. Tailored for applications like decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and payment scenarios, zkSync leverages zkRollup technology to execute token transfers off-chain, producing proofs swiftly submitted to the Ethereum mainnet.
Polygon zkEVM: Scalable Ethereum Compatibility
Polygon zkEVM introduces a unique synergy of zk-Rollups with Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility. Designed for speedier transaction confirmations and reduced fees compared to the Ethereum mainnet, it provides a scalable platform for running Ethereum-compatible smart contracts. Developers can effortlessly deploy existing Solidity-based contracts on Polygon zkEVM with minimal adjustments.
zkEVM vs zkVM
Well, honestly today the buzz is all about prefixing “zk” to various terms, where these two letters carry the power of zero-knowledge proofs. It’s a method to ensure not only which computation was executed but also that the computed result is accurate. What happens when you put zk before the good ‘ol EVM?
zkEVM
zkEVM is software running smart contracts on the EVM bytecode engine, generating receipts for computations. It proves the validity of multiple receipts, consolidating them into a single receipt, known as a “rollup.” This off-chain scaling mechanism allows projects in Solidity to represent numerous transactions with a single blockchain-posted receipt.
zkVM
VM is more genric than EVM. On the zkVM, you can run just about any software that runs on a computer rather than anything that can run on Ethereum.
Why am i telling you this? for e.g.: if your Dapp logic is becoming computationally expensive or your on-chain game logic needs the extra compute power, you should be looking at using a zkVM or zkEVM to move the complex application logic off-chain.
Now there were a lot of different solutions available:
RISC Zero was one them: They envision a world where ZK Proofs are accessible to everyone, and developers can prove and verify any computation through RISC Zero’s general purpose ZK Virtual Machine. RISC Zero’s zkVM and the Bonsai network allow you to write scalable chain-agnostic code using general purpose programming languages!
Writing circuits is not the easiest when you’re translating your business logic into arithmetic operations. While working on my own ZKml based solution I was looking for a protocol that abstracts the complexities of cryptography to build private ZK based applications. I met the Aleo team at zk accelarate and their hackerhouse as well. In my view Aleo provides an all-in-one ZK platform that lets you build private and highly scalable apps. The best thing being the gas-free execution model, providing unlimited application runtime. Aleo comes with their own rust based DSL called Leo, snarkOS (a fully decentralized and public ecosystem for transaction verification and state storage) and snarkVM (takes computation off-chain and only requires provers to publish proof of computation on-chain, offering great scalability. Honestly I was able to build a custom token withing 20 mins of reading the documentation. What sets Aleo apart as an ecosystem is the focus on self-sovereign identity (SSI), privacy and making zero-knowledge (ZK) cryptography implementations simpler.
Another intersting application that was highlighted during the zk events was Decentralized Reputation and ZK. There were disucssions around Verifiable compute, on chain reputation (the Icebreaker activity at the zkHouse using zkCat dynamic NFTs was a perfect example ofthis)
While we have made strides in making implementation of zk based proofs easier generating proofs in ZKP solutions is resource-intensive due to complex mathematical operations, slowing down the process. Challenges arise from operations like exponentiations and bilinear pairings, necessitating optimization for full potential. Developing hardware acceleration methods is crucial to overcome these challenges in ZKP constructions.
Turbocharging ZK performance and integration of hardware acceleration in ZK protocols was a standout theme of Devconnect was the . This approach enhances the performance and efficiency of ZK systems, marking a significant stride towards practical scalability. As hardware advancements continue to evolve, the synergy between hardware acceleration and ZK technology promises a future where privacy and efficiency coexist seamlessly. Protocols like Nil, Zama and Taiko are leading the efforts on building zkLLVM, rollups and custom proofs.
The Missing Puzzle Piece
Monetizing data with ZK-Privacy amidst the myriad discussions, a compelling idea emerged — one that transcends the conventional notions of privacy. The prospect of users opting into sharing their data with advertisers, platforms, and social networks through ZK-privacy introduces a groundbreaking avenue. Imagine a world where users regain control as rightful owners of their data, empowered to monetize it in exchange for revenue-sharing and an enhanced social feed.
A Paradigm Shift: Beyond Privacy for Its Own Sake
It’s time to challenge the status quo and recognize that internet privacy holds a more profound opportunity than merely shielding information. By leveraging ZK-privacy to let users monetize their data, we redefine the narrative. This exclusive opportunity not only aligns with the ethos of blockchain but also addresses the crucial aspect of user comfort — both emotionally and financially — while interacting on-chain.
As we conclude our exploration of the zk and L2 ecosystem, it’s evident that this space is a dynamic amalgamation of innovation and collaboration. The conversations at Devconnect Istanbul have not only enlightened us about the current status quo but have also ignited a spark for what lies ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a curious enthusiast, the world of zero-knowledge proofs and Layer 2 solutions beckons with promise. So, let’s venture forth, armed with knowledge and curiosity, as we witness the unfolding chapters of zk and L2 shaping the future of decentralized technologies.
