Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) are a fascinating and powerful concept in cryptography that allows someone to prove that they know something without revealing what they know. This means that you can verify that someone has the correct information without them having to reveal any details about that information. This property has many exciting applications, from secure authentication to private transactions on a blockchain.
In this post, we'll explore the world of zero-knowledge proofs, including the different types of ZKPs, such as ZK-Snarks, ZK-Starks, and the latest and most exciting development, the PLONK ZKP system. We'll also provide easy-to-understand examples from real life to help you grasp these concepts even if you're five years old.
What Are Zero-Knowledge Proofs?
Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) are a cryptographic technique that allows one party, the prover, to convince another party, the verifier, that they know a piece of information without revealing that information. In other words, the prover can prove that they possess a particular piece of information without revealing what that information is.
ZKPs are powerful tools in cryptography because they enable secure authentication, identification, and data sharing without revealing any sensitive information. They allow parties to verify information and transactions without giving up any privacy.
ZK-Snarks
ZK-Snarks is a type of zero-knowledge proof that is widely used in blockchain technology, especially in privacy-focused blockchains such as Zcash. ZK-Snarks stands for Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge.
To understand ZK-Snarks, let's imagine a scenario where you have a secret number, and you want to prove to someone that you know the number without revealing what that number is. ZK-Snarks would enable you to do this by constructing a proof that would convince the other person that you know the number without revealing the number itself.
ZK-Starks
ZK-Starks is another type of zero-knowledge proof that is similar to ZK-Snarks, but it has some differences. ZK-Starks stands for Zero-Knowledge Scalable Transparent Argument of Knowledge.
To understand ZK-Starks, let's imagine a scenario where you have a secret phrase, and you want to prove to someone that you know the phrase without revealing the phrase itself. ZK-Starks would enable you to do this by constructing a proof that would convince the other person that you know the phrase without revealing the phrase itself.
PLONKs
PLONK is the latest and most exciting development in the world of zero-knowledge proofs. PLONK stands for Polynomial-based, Linearly-complex, Non-interactive, and Knowledge-proof.
PLONK is a type of zero-knowledge proof that is even more powerful and efficient than ZK-Snarks and ZK-Starks. It has many applications in cryptography, including in private transactions, authentication, and data sharing.
To understand PLONK, let's imagine a scenario where you have a secret message, and you want to prove to someone that you know the message without revealing the message itself. PLONK would enable you to do this by constructing a proof that would convince the other person that you know the message without revealing the message itself.
Conclusion
Zero-knowledge proofs are a powerful tool in cryptography that allow parties to verify information and transactions without revealing any sensitive information. ZK-Snarks, ZK-Starks, and PLONK are different types of zero-knowledge proofs that have various applications in the blockchain industry and beyond.
