A Deep Dive into zkEVM and the Future of zk Rollups
Blockchain technology has witnessed significant growth over the past few years, but it still faces challenges when it comes to scalability. To address this issue, rollups have emerged as one of the most promising solutions for Layer 1 networks. Among the two types of rollups, zero-knowledge rollups (zk rollups) have garnered attention and even received an endorsement from Vitalik Buterin, the creator of Ethereum. In this article, we will explore zk rollups and dive deep into zkEVM (zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine), a revolutionary technology that aims to unlock the full potential of zk rollups.
Understanding zkEVM
Bridging the Gap Between zk Rollups and Ethereum
Zero-knowledge rollups offer numerous advantages but lack native support for the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which hampers their ability to execute smart contracts. This limitation is significant, considering that smart contracts play a vital role in dApp development on the Ethereum platform. Fortunately, zkEVM provides a solution to this problem. It is an implementation of the EVM tailored specifically to zk rollup networks. By supporting zero knowledge generation and smart contract execution, zkEVM aims to enable zk rollups to process transactions occurring on the mainnet Ethereum and support L1 Ethereum dApps.
Types of zkEVM Implementations
Compatibility-Focused zkEVM
To ensure smooth development and leverage existing infrastructure, some zkEVM implementations prioritize compatibility with Ethereum. By closely emulating Ethereum, these zkEVMs allow rollup developers to reuse tools and infrastructure. However, this approach inherits certain limitations from the Ethereum protocol. Generating zero knowledge proofs on zkEVMs that prioritize compatibility requires extensive calculations and time. Although some modifications may be made to improve proof generation times, overall compatibility remains the primary focus.
Speed-Focused zkEVM
On the other hand, some zkEVMs prioritize faster proof generation times, even if it means sacrificing complete EVM equivalency. These implementations remove difficult-to-prove operations, resulting in greater EVM incompatibility compared to compatibility-focused zkEVMs. While most Ethereum apps can function with minor changes, some apps relying on specific operations may face challenges. Additionally, certain zkEVM teams take optimization to the next level by compiling smart contract code into a zkSNARK-friendly language, which significantly improves prover time but also increases incompatibility with Ethereum.
Notable zkEVM Projects
Polygon zkEVM
Polygon, one of the leading scaling solutions, made a significant move by acquiring Hermez, a promising ZK rollup project. This acquisition marked Polygon’s dedication to building its own zkEVM implementation called Polygon zkEVM. It falls under the category of type 3 zkEVM implementation, focusing on performance optimization while making slight changes to opcodes, precompiled contracts, and introducing zk-counters. Polygon zkEVM ensures a seamless developer experience by supporting popular libraries such as Web3.js and Ethers.js, while its Proof of Efficiency (PoE) mechanism protects against malicious attacks. With fast network finality and low transaction fees, Polygon zkEVM is poised to unlock the full potential of zk rollups.
ZkSync Era
ZkSync Era is another notable zkEVM project with a type 4 implementation. This implementation introduces significant changes to the EVM, optimizing performance while handling most EVM contracts. ZkSync Era modifies opcodes, gas models, and behaviors of CREATE2 and SELFDESTRUCT instructions. Additionally, it employs zk-SNARKs for fast proof generation. The integration of zkEVM in ZkSync Era not only provides scalability benefits but also ensures a smooth transition for developers and users with backward compatibility.
Scroll
Scroll is an innovative zkEVM project with a type 1 implementation, focusing on achieving full Ethereum equivalency. Scroll zkEVM leverages the GETH Ethereum client to provide compatibility with Layer 1 dApps. While it prioritizes compatibility, Scroll experiences slower prover times due to enhanced compatibility with Ethereum. To generate zero-knowledge proofs efficiently, Scroll utilizes the Halo 2 library, ensuring secure and scalable ZKP generation. With its focus on full Ethereum compatibility, Scroll aims to bridge the gap between L1 and L2 dApps seamlessly.
Other Prominent zkEVM Projects
Apart from Polygon zkEVM, ZkSync Era, and Scroll, several other projects contribute to the evolution of zkEVM technology. Taiko is an emerging player in the space, known for its innovative approach and contributions. StarkNet, another prominent project, focuses on leveraging zkEVM to enable scalable and private execution of Ethereum smart contracts.
The Promise of zkEVM
The introduction of zk rollups and their integration with zkEVM technology holds immense promise for the future of blockchain scalability. With the ability to process thousands of transactions per second, zk rollups offer a solution to the scalability challenge faced by blockchain networks. The progress made in zkEVM development over a relatively short period is impressive, with projects like Polygon zkEVM, ZkSync Era, and Scroll showcasing the potential of this technology.
Conclusion
As blockchain technology continues to evolve, the combination of zk rollups and zkEVM holds immense promise for addressing scalability challenges. The advancements made in zkEVM development, with projects like Polygon zkEVM, ZkSync Era, and Scroll, showcase the potential of this technology. With the ability to process thousands of transactions per second and support smart contract execution, zkEVM paves the way for a more scalable and decentralized future. By unlocking the full potential of zk rollups, zkEVM is poised to revolutionize the blockchain landscape and empower the development of innovative decentralized applications.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is zkEVM, and why is it important for zk rollups?
zkEVM is an implementation of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) tailored for zk rollup networks. It enables zero knowledge generation and smart contract execution, crucial components for zk rollups to process transactions and support Layer 1 Ethereum dApps.
How does zkEVM differ from other rollup solutions?
zkEVM specifically addresses the lack of native EVM support in zk rollups, making it possible to execute smart contracts on these networks. Other rollup solutions may focus on different scalability techniques but may not provide the same level of EVM compatibility.
What are the different types of zkEVM implementations?
Compatibility-focused zkEVM prioritizes compatibility with Ethereum, while speed-focused zkEVM aims for faster proof generation times, even if it means sacrificing complete EVM equivalency.
Which zkEVM projects are gaining traction in the industry?
Prominent zkEVM projects include Polygon zkEVM, ZkSync Era, Scroll, Taiko, and StarkNet.
How does Polygon zkEVM optimize performance while maintaining compatibility?
Polygon zkEVM achieves performance optimization by making slight changes to opcodes, precompiled contracts, and introducing zk-counters. It ensures compatibility by supporting popular libraries and implementing the Proof of Efficiency (PoE) mechanism.
What are the notable changes introduced by ZkSync Era in its zkEVM implementation?
ZkSync Era modifies opcodes, gas models, and behaviors of certain EVM instructions to optimize performance. It also integrates zk-SNARKs for efficient proof generation.
