zkSync Era introduces Boojum, a new proof system.
zkSync Era introduces Boojum, a new proof system.
zkSync Era Unveils Boojum Upgrade: Enhancing Decentralization and Performance
The blockchain industry is constantly evolving, and zkSync Era, a prominent player in the field, has recently unveiled a new high-performance proof system called Boojum. This upgrade is set to revolutionize decentralization and enhance the performance of zkSync, a secure, permissionless, and affordable blockchain network. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Boojum upgrade and its implications for the industry.
Background on zkSync Era
zkSync Era aims to create a blockchain network that promotes personal freedom universally. The Alpha version of zkSync Era was launched in March, employing a SNARK-based system. Since then, the network has witnessed significant activity, with a total value locked of $577 million and over 23,750,000 transactions in the past 30 days. Moreover, there are 9,735 source-code-verified smart contracts on record. This demonstrates zkSync’s commitment to building a robust and thriving ecosystem.
The Boojum upgrade is a testament to zkSync’s dedication to constant improvement. It is designed to seamlessly transition zkSync to a proof system backed by STARK, enhancing the network’s performance while running on consumer-grade hardware.
Introducing Boojum: The Upgrade
Boojum is a Rust-based cryptographic library developed by zkSync. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s poem “The Hunting of the Snark,” the name Boojum represents the most fearsome kind of Snark. This library is utilized to implement the upgraded version of the ZK circuits for zkSync Era and the ZK Stack.
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The properties attributed to Boojum are of paramount importance to the network’s efficiency. With PLONK-style arithmetization, the ZK circuits are simplified, making them easier to develop, audit, maintain, and upgrade. This contributes to the overall robustness and reliability of zkSync.
More on the Upgrade
Boojum leverages foundation papers on STARK, FRI, and DEEP-FRI, which are well-established cryptographic techniques. One major component of the upgrade is the FRI commitment scheme, which significantly enhances the efficiency of the network. Additionally, Boojum offers parallelized witness generation, allowing for faster and more efficient processing.
The upgrade also boasts an efficient development process, enabling users to customize the circuit structure and incorporate their own gate types. This flexibility empowers developers to tailor the network to their specific needs, further enhancing zkSync’s versatility.
One of the key selling points of Boojum is its ability to reduce hardware requirements for decentralization. By running on consumer-grade hardware, zkSync Era lowers the barriers to entry for users, enabling more widespread participation and promoting a more inclusive blockchain ecosystem.
The Journey to Boojum
The zkSync team has dedicated months to the development of Boojum. Starting from the design stage, the team meticulously crafted the upgrade, ensuring its functionality and compatibility with the existing network. After extensive testing, the upgrade has now reached the Prime Time stage, where it will undergo further audits to ensure its security and reliability.
Conclusion
The Boojum upgrade by zkSync Era represents a significant advancement in the blockchain industry. By embracing the power of STARK and other cryptographic techniques, zkSync Era is poised to deliver world-class performance while reducing hardware requirements for decentralization. This upgrade showcases zkSync’s commitment to constant innovation and its dedication to building a secure, permissionless, and affordable blockchain network.
As the industry continues to evolve, advancements like the Boojum upgrade will play a crucial role in shaping the future of blockchain technology. With enhanced performance and improved decentralization, zkSync Era is paving the way for a more inclusive and efficient blockchain ecosystem.