ZK-EVMs — A peek into projects using ZK technology.
In our previous newsletter, ZK-EVMs — Scaling the Ethereum Blockchain, we examined how the Ethereum blockchain can be scaled using new technology proposed by teams developing ZK-EVM solutions. Before we dive into the progress made by various teams to implement the ZK-EVM architecture, let us have a refresher on what ZK-EVMs are. To provide a refresher, we need to understand what ZK-Rollups are and what an EVM is:
What exactly are ZK-Rollups?
A ZK-Rollup is a Layer-2 scaling solution built on the Ethereum blockchain. ZK stands for Zero-Knowledge. Off-chain mechanisms that process transactions outside the Ethereum blockchain before they commit those transaction bundles back on-chain through an on-chain rollup contract are known as ZK-Rollups. A ZK-rollup off-chain executes transactions, computes, and stores data while holding assets in an on-chain smart contract.
What is an EVM
EVM stands for Ethereum Virtual Machine, and it refers to an information processing system integrated into the Ethereum blockchain that works like a distributed computer with several executable projects. It is the virtual computer that acts as the base for Ethereum's entire working system. It is regarded as the Ethereum component responsible for the execution and smart contract deployment.
Combining our knowledge of both of the above, we can understand that ZkEVMs are designed to execute smart contracts in a manner compatible with zero-knowledge techniques.
So how far has the technology come? Who are the premier players in the space at this moment?
A Peek into ZK-EVM Projects
Here are some high-quality projects that are building using the ZK-EVM architecture are:
Linea network — A Consensys ZK-EVM
Linea is a type 2 zero knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine. (zkEVM). A zkEVM is a rollup that duplicates the Ethereum environment and allows programmers to build on it as they would operate on the Ethereum mainnet. Linea enables you to set up any smart contract, use any tool, and create anything like you would on Ethereum. This gives users an Ethereum experience and security guarantees at cheaper transaction costs.
Linea is currently only available on testnet. As of now, you can use the official guides to:
Set up your wallet - View the tutorial to set up your wallet to support Linea here.
Fund your wallet - You can then get Goerli ETH and USDC to interact on the Linea testnet. Typically 0.1 ETH is enough to understand the Linea workflow.
Bridge your funds - Bridge your funds from the faucets or other sources between Goerli and Linea.
Transfer funds between accounts - Make transfers between different accounts on the Linea network.
Use Uniswap - You can use Uniswap to swap tokens and add liquidity.
Polygon ZkEVM
Polygon zkEVM is a virtual machine created to replicate the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) by reproducing all current EVM opcodes to seamlessly implement existing Ethereum smart contracts. Polygon zkEVM is a Layer 2 Rollup solution that utilizes data availability and execution confirmation in the Ethereum blockchain's Layer 1 to assure the security and stability of L2 state transitions.
The three primary components of the zkEVM protocol are as follows:
Trusted Sequencer: The Trusted Sequencer module is responsible for collecting L2 transactions from users, arranging them, producing batches, and delivering them as sequences to the Consensus contract's storage slots.
Trusted Aggregator: Based on batches of L2 transactions conducted by the Trusted Sequencer, the Trusted Aggregator component can compute the L2 State.
Consensus Contract (PolygonZkEVM.sol, deployed on L1): The PolygonZkEVM.sol contract is used by the two Trusted Sequencers and the Trusted Aggregator in their interactions with L1.
Source: Polygon zkEVM Documentation
ZkSync Era
zkSync Era is a Layer-2 protocol that uses ZK technology to scale Ethereum. zkSync promises to boost Ethereum's throughput while maintaining its core ideals - freedom, self-sovereignty, and decentralization - at scale. zkSync Era is built by Matterlabs.
Some other projects built using ZK-EVM include Applied ZKP, Taiko, Scroll, Polygon Hermez, ZKSync, and Warp from Nethermind.
Final Words
With the Shapella Upgrade now live, the next set of improvement are all geared towards scaling the Ethereum blockchain for the next wave of users. Blockchains like Solana, Avalanche, Near, Celestia, and others are also making radical improvements to bringing scaling to their respective networks. Hence, we at Fifty Finney are excited to see all the innovations aimed at scaling the Ethereum blockchain using zkEVM technology.
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