Buterin’s new proposal addresses the scalability issue by building a zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine directly into Ethereum itself.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin introduced a new concept for the blockchain platform called the Zero-Knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (ZK-EVM) in a Dec. 13 blog post.
The main goal of the proposal is to significantly improve the efficiency and security of Ethereum's layer 2 protocols, including optimistic and ZK rollups.
Solving challenges in layer 2 protocols
Buterin’s proposal stems from the need to simplify Ethereum’s current layer 2 solutions. These protocols are crucial to Ethereum’s scalability and rely heavily on EVM verification, which currently involves relying on large and potentially vulnerable code bases.
Additionally, the ZK-EVM, which aims to emulate the Layer-1 EVM, faces the challenge of keeping up with changes in the main Ethereum protocol, resulting in redundant work and increasing the risk of security flaws.
Buterin’s proposed solution involves embedding the ZK-EVM directly into the Ethereum network. This internal ZK-EVM will take on the task of validating Layer-1 Ethereum blocks, providing a more efficient and secure approach.
As Ethereum progresses, especially with the development of light clients using ZK-SNARKs, the concept of a native ZK-EVM becomes increasingly practical and attractive.
Core aspects of the proposed ZK-EVM
Buterin envisions ZK-EVM focusing primarily on validating Ethereum blocks by processing inputs such as pre-state roots, blocks, and post-state roots.
This will ensure the integrity of the post-state root as the true result of block execution. The proposal is also in line with Ethereum's multi-client philosophy, supports the use of different proof systems, and emphasizes the importance of data availability and auditability.
As Buterin describes, implementing ZK-EVM presents several design challenges and tradeoffs. The fundamental properties include:
1. Compatibility and adaptability: The system should be flexible enough to support a variety of proof systems, reflecting Ethereum’s commitment to a multi-client environment.
2. Ensure data availability: This is critical to enable verification by different clients.
3. Emphasis on auditability and upgradability: Any issues can be easily checked and quickly resolved without a hard fork.
4. Support for “almost EVM” innovation: Allowing Layer 2 solutions to extend and innovate on top of standard EVM functionality.
A key part of Buterin’s discussion revolved around the choice between an open multi-client system and a closed system with a predetermined proof system, where proofs are verified externally. Buterin advocated for a usable system that, despite its greater complexity, would have flexibility and compatibility with Ethereum’s fundamental principles.
Buterin stressed that speed is crucial for ZK-EVM implementations. With technological advances in parallelization and hardware acceleration, the goal is to reduce proof generation time to achieve near-instantaneous processing. #Layar2 #ZK-EVM
