What is zkEVM? | EP 12

zkEVM, or Zero-Knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine, is a virtual machine that executes smart contract transactions using zero-knowledge-proof computations, compatible with the Ethereum infrastructure. It serves as a layer-2 scaling solution, increasing transaction throughput and reducing costs.

How does zkEVM work?

zkEVM replicates the Ethereum environment as zero-knowledge rollup, bringing the Ethereum developer experience and existing tooling to a highly scalable and secure layer 2. This allows developers to seamlessly transition existing dApps and smart contracts to the new environment or build new applications easily.

How does the zkEVM execution environment work?

Similar to the EVM, zkEVM executes smart contracts and computes the Ethereum network's state. It translates Solidity code into bytecode and updates the Ethereum state. Additionally, zkEVM can generate zero-knowledge proofs for transactions.

zkEVM Proving Circuit and Verifier Contract

The proving circuit of zkEVM produces zero-knowledge proofs that verify transactions. These proofs are batched, rolled up, and published on the layer-1 blockchain, ensuring the correctness of transactions without individually processing each transaction.

Challenges in Building zkEVM

1. Stack-Based Architecture:-

While EVM uses a stack-based model, a register-based model is more effective for zkEVMs.

2. Opcode Complexity:-

Special opcodes in EVM add complexity to zkEVMs.

3. Storage Overhead:-

Complex methods used by EVM to organize data increase proving overhead.

4. Proving Costs:-

Generating zero-knowledge proofs is resource-intensive.

Advantages of zkEVMs

1. Secure Scalability:-

zkEVMs increase transaction throughput without compromising security.

2. Low Cost:-

zkEVMs only require publishing final state changes on-chain, making it cost-effective.

3. Fast Finality:-

zkEVM transactions finalize quickly, beneficial for traders.

4. Network Effects:-

zkEVMs can leverage the existing Ethereum developer ecosystem and tools.

Different Types of zkEVMs

1. Type 1 (Fully Ethereum-equivalent):-

Fully compatible with all Ethereum-native applications.

2. Type 2 (Fully EVM-equivalent):-

Generate faster proofs with minor modifications.

3. Type 2.5 (EVM-Equivalent Except for Gas Costs):-

Improves proving times with specific gas cost changes.

4. Type 3 (Almost EVM-equivalent):-

Simplifies proof generation and application development.

5. Type 4 (High-Level-Language Equivalent):-

Equivalent to high-level languages compiled from Solidity/Vyper.

How Nadcab Helps

Nadcab Labs assists in adopting zkEVM.

1. Smart Contract Development:- Our experts develop smart contracts for you.
2. Proof-of-Concept Projects:- We help in creating prototypes for your projects.
3. Technical Support:- We make your zkEVM migration and implementation seamless.

zkEVM brings the Ethereum experience to low-cost and scalable layer-2 solutions, and Nadcab Labs fully supports integrating these capabilities. This technology makes blockchain adoption easier and more secure.