TL;DR
- StarkWare, in collaboration with Cartridge, presents ZKThreads, a scaling framework designed to improve the performance and security of dapps on Starknet.
- ZKThreads addresses fragmentation through execution sharding enabled by zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs, optimizing efficiency and maintaining data integrity.
- It offers a standardized development environment, ideal for on-chain games and decentralized exchanges, improving interoperability and avoiding liquidity fragmentation.
StarkWare, in collaboration with Cartridge, has introduced an innovative scaling framework called ZKThreads, designed to enhance the performance of decentralized applications (dapps) on Starknet’s layer 2. This new technology will address fragmentation issues and significantly improve the efficiency and security of blockchain transactions.
ZKThreads comes to meet the need for a more robust and standardized infrastructure for dapp development. Based on execution sharding enabled by zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs, this framework allows handling different segments of transactions or computations on the network more efficiently, always maintaining security and data integrity.
Finally, after months of back and forth, I am super excited to introduce a new scaling concept in the set of ZK-based scaling solution available in the industry
✨✨✨ zkThreads ✨✨✨
For the meat: https://t.co/nNUzWdxRFC🧵
— Louis Guthmann zk/acc | 💅 | 🐺-Maxi (@GuthL) May 23, 2024
One of its main advantages is its ability to offer a standardized development environment, facilitating the creation of verifiable applications. This approach is particularly beneficial for high-performance applications like on-chain games and decentralized exchanges (DEXs). By providing a cohesive environment, it helps avoid liquidity fragmentation and improves interoperability between different applications.
The structure of ZKThreads includes essential components such as a batcher, a prover, and various contracts that manage the logic of applications and state changes on the network. This design ensures that transactions are accurate and usable across Starknet. Additionally, it allows for direct executions on Starknet when necessary, optimizing processing times and resource utilization.
StarkWare Will Prevent Recurrences of Cases Like FTX
Furthermore, it serves as a remedy for a range of critical security issues, such as fund lockups. According to Louis Guthmann, head of product strategy at StarkWare, it could prevent disastrous situations like the one that occurred with FTX. ZKThreads ensures that even in downtime scenarios, users can continue operating, keeping markets efficient and avoiding forced liquidations in leveraged situations.
The launch of ZKThreads signifies a major advance by StarkWare, which proposed “fractal scaling” in 2021. Unlike traditional ZK systems that often operate in isolation, leading to a disconnect of resources and applications, ZKThreads promotes a tighter and more coherent integration. This horizontal scalability model complements layer-based solutions and highlights the potential for greater interoperability and security in the blockchain.
The development cycle of ZKThreads is scheduled to complete in approximately nine months, with an initial implementation on the testnet. During this period, StarkWare and Cartridge will optimize the technology for use in high-performance applications, ensuring they can operate more economically and efficiently.
With its ability to enhance interoperability and reduce operational costs, this new framework has the potential to transform the way decentralized applications are developed and utilized on Starknet.
