Zero knowledge proofs, also known as ZKPs, are increasingly becoming part of the Web3 scaling and data-privacy conversation with several systems arising from the movement. This blog and video break down some key differences between two popular types of ZK protocols, SNARKs, and STARKs.
zk-SNARKs
zk-SNARK stands for zero knowledge Succinct Non-interactive Argument of Knowledge.
Along with the privacy benefits described previously, they stand out for being succinct, meaning the proofs are small and can be verified very quickly. This has efficiency and decentralization benefits: succinctness makes it easier for anyone to verify and participate, not just those who have complex computer setups to handle the expensive computations that most traditional blockchains now require.
Until 2019, all existing zk-SNARKs needed a trusted setup, entrusting only a few individuals to generate keys that could be compromised. However, recent advancements have rendered trusted setups unnecessary for blockchains using zk-SNARKs.
zk-STARKs
On the other hand, zk-STARKs stands for zero knowledge Scalable Transparent Argument of Knowledge.
STARKs are constructed using a different type of cryptography than SNARKs, which could be less susceptible to attack by theoretical quantum computers, essentially supercomputers that are powerful enough to run complex computations. They also do not require a trusted setup, but have some restrictions on the kinds of computations they can handle.
The main drawback of existing zk-STARKs is that they have a large proof size, between 10-100x larger than zk-SNARKs. This makes them more costly to send over the wire for cryptocurrencies and other applications, where bandwidth is often a constraint.
Mina Protocol zk-SNARK Technology
Mina Protocol uses zk-SNARK technology and takes it to a new level by using recursion so that no matter how many transactions or blocks are added to the chain, the computations stay small, scalable, and efficient.
Mina’s smart contracts, zkApps, also leverage zk-SNARKs making it especially powerful to enable privacy & security allowing you to keep your data on a local device while only sharing a proof of it on chain.
If you’d like to dive deeper into zk-SNARKs, check out these resources:
- Zero Knowledge Proofs — An Intuitive Explanation
- A Guide to zk-SNARKs
- Mina’s Proof System Explained – Kimchi (based on PLONK)
- What are zk-SNARKs (for beginners)
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About Mina Protocol
Mina is the world’s lightest blockchain, powered by participants. Rather than apply brute computing force, Mina uses advanced cryptography and recursive zk-SNARKs to design an entire blockchain that is about 22kb, the size of a couple of tweets. It is the first layer-1 to enable efficient implementation and easy programmability of zero knowledge smart contracts (zkApps). With its unique privacy features and ability to connect to any website, Mina is building a private gateway between the real world and crypto—and the secure, democratic future we all deserve.
