Why is Ethereum Urgently Needing ZK-ification?
The article discusses the urgent need for Ethereum to adopt zero-knowledge (ZK) technology as a core narrative for its future development. While Ethereum previously focused on ICOs, DeFi, and being a global financial settlement layer, it now lacks a compelling new narrative. ZK technology is highlighted as a critical solution, with Ethereum being the blockchain most invested in its development.
ZK-EVM has reached the Alpha stage, a milestone celebrated by Vitalik Buterin. The primary motivation for ZK integration is to maintain Ethereum’s decentralization while improving scalability. Currently, increasing the Gas limit boosts TPS but raises node operation costs, potentially centralizing the network. ZK proofs allow nodes to verify transactions efficiently without expensive hardware upgrades, similar to automated exam grading versus manual checking.
ZK itself doesn’t directly increase TPS but enables future Gas limit hikes with minimal node cost increases. The recent Fusaka upgrade, including PeerDAS, advances this goal. A ZK-powered Ethereum could achieve over 1000 TPS, strengthening its narrative.
The article also addresses the role of third-party ZK teams (e.g., Polygon, Scroll, ZKsync, Taiko), which remain crucial for innovation and testing different ZK-EVM types (Type 1 to 4). ZK-VMs, like Brevis, are noted for higher performance and diversity, as they aren’t constrained by EVM compatibility. While ZK L1 may attract some L2 users, it also benefits L2s by reducing costs and improving foundational infrastructure.
In summary, Ethereum’s ZK transformation, after years of development, is entering a critical phase, driven by collaborative efforts between Ethereum and external ZK projects.
marsbit01/13 00:37
