A new project backed by Vitalik Buterin will enable developers to run any EVM-compatible code on Starknet, a zero-knowledge layer-2 platform for Ethereum.
Kakarot zkEVM is bringing Starknet, a roll-up platform for Ethereum, closer to fully becoming compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).
It is an EVM written in Cairo, a native language for Starknet, that enables fast and secure development of smart contracts.
By using Kakarot zkEVM, developers can deploy their existing Solidity contracts directly on Starknet without having to rewrite them in Cairo or maintain two code bases.
This will also lower the barrier to entry for developers who wish to leverage the scalability and privacy benefits of Starknet while preserving compatibility and interoperability with the Ethereum ecosystem.
Starknet uses its smart contract virtual machine, Cairo VM, which leverages Cairo, a low-level language designed for zero-knowledge proofs.
Cairo enables developers to write verifiable programs that can be executed off-chain and verified on-chain using succinct proofs.
Starknet is a layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum that uses Cairo, a low-level language designed for zero-knowledge proofs.
Cairo enables fast and secure development of smart contracts capable of processing thousands of transactions per second at a fraction of the cost and latency of layer-1.
However, Cairo is incompatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), the standard execution environment for Ethereum smart contracts.
This means that developers who want to use Starknet must learn Cairo and rewrite their contracts, which can be time-consuming and costly.
An EVM-Compatible Layer on Top of Starknet
Kakarot zkEVM is a project that aims to solve these drawbacks by creating an EVM-compatible layer on top of Starknet.
Kakarot zkEVM, an EVM written in Cairo, can run any EVM bytecode program on Starknet as a smart contract.
By using Kakarot zkEVM, developers will be able to enjoy the scalability and privacy benefits of Starknet while preserving the compatibility and interoperability of Ethereum.
Additionally, Kakarot zkEVM will make it easier for developers to adopt Starknet and contribute to its growth and innovation.
Kakarot zkEVM is developed by Kakarot Labs, a team of engineers and researchers backed by Vitalik Buterin, Ledger co-founder Nicholas Bacca and Starkware.
The project will launch a public testnet in August 2023 for developers to try it out and provide feedback. The team also aims to launch a mainnet version of Kakarot zkEVM by the end of 2023, subject to security and stability reviews.
To learn more about Kakarot zkEVM- Join the server on Discord, read the GitHub repository, or watch the demo video on Youtube.
