A zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (zkEVM) is a virtual machine that processes smart contract transactions in a manner that works with zero-knowledge-proof computations and the current Ethereum setup. This allows them to join zero-knowledge rollups, which are layer-2 scaling solutions that boost transaction speed and reduce expenses.
Layer 2 networks are considered EVM compatible if they can execute programs designed for Ethereum environments without changing the core smart contract logic. This compatibility allows layer 2 networks to work seamlessly with established Ethereum smart contract practices, token standards, and development tools. EVM compatibility is crucial for the widespread acceptance of these layer 2 solutions, as it empowers developers proficient in Ethereum’s Solidity programming language to create scalable applications using familiar tools.
How zkEVM Works?
A zkEVM is a zero-knowledge rollup that replicates the Ethereum environment. It provides a highly scalable and secure layer 2, allowing developers to bring their existing dApps and smart contracts to this new environment effortlessly. Additionally, it enables the easy creation of new applications while maintaining the familiar Ethereum developer experience and utilizing existing tooling.
zkEVM Execution Environment
The EVM processes smart contracts and calculates the Ethereum network’s status after every new block is included in the chain. It interprets Solidity code written by humans, converts it into machine-readable bytecode, and modifies the Ethereum status. It controls the regulations for altering status and outlines the smart contracts available for developers to create.
A zkEVM is a different type of EVM that allows smart contracts to operate. It processes transactions using the initial state and produces an updated state along with a zero-knowledge proof. Since zkEVMs are built on Ethereum’s EVM, developers can effortlessly transfer Ethereum dApps and tokens to the zkEVM.
zkEVM Proving Circuit
Zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) allow one party to prove to another party that they have knowledge about a specific piece of information, without disclosing the actual information itself. The zkEVM’s proving circuit generates zero-knowledge proofs to confirm and authenticate transactions, demonstrating that user transactions were accurately computed and the new state is accurate.
zkEVM Verifier Contract
Ethereum requires every node to verify each transaction. Zero-knowledge rollups, on the other hand, bundle transactions and verify them with a ZKP on a layer-1 blockchain like Ethereum, boosting efficiency and cutting costs without compromising security.
Layer-2 rollups that utilize zero-knowledge proofs send validity proofs to a smart contract on the underlying layer 1. These proofs are used to verify the correctness of the outputs, ensuring that the updated state is accurate without the need to process each transaction separately.
Conclusion
Ethereum and other blockchains have faced challenges in scaling due to limited transactions and high gas fees. However, zkEVMs offer a solution by bringing the Ethereum experience to layer-2 rollups that are highly scalable and cost-effective. These zkEVMs maintain the security of the underlying blockchain by generating on-chain proofs. By combining zero-knowledge proofs and an Ethereum Virtual Machine, zkEVMs overcome previous limitations and provide the necessary infrastructure for widespread adoption of Web3.