StarkWare and Cartridge introduce ZKThreads to enhance Starknet scalability via execution sharding and zero-knowledge proofs.
ZKThreads is a new scaling framework introduced by Cartridge and Layer 2 developer StarkWare to enhance the scalability of decentralized applications on Layer 2 Starknet via execution sharding enabled with zero-knowledge proofs.
This expands upon the vision of fractal scalability unveiled by StarkWare in 2021.
StarkWare informed The Block that ZKThreads will be utilized to expand Starknet’s repertoire of “fractal-scaling” solutions, providing an alternative to the existing ZK coprocessors, which operate similarly.
Consequently, current coprocessors, notwithstanding their efficacy, frequently function autonomously, resulting in fragmented liquidity and diminished interoperability across applications. With the introduction of ZKThreads, which supports provable applications and provides a standardized development environment, these fragmentation issues are intended to be resolved.
By implementing execution sharding via zero-knowledge proofs, ZKThreads ensures that distinct segments of network transactions or computations are managed efficiently and securely. This configuration guarantees efficient scalability for blockchain decentralized applications (dapps) by distributing transactional and computational burden while maintaining the network’s decentralization and security.
The framework will be accessible within the Starknet ecosystem in addition to Layer 3 connections. Layer 3 chains facilitate the expansion of decentralized applications that necessitate complete control customization.
In contrast, ZKThreads is engineered to offer greater scalability by permitting direct default to the foundation layer, thereby guaranteeing liveness at each stage. Enhanced interoperability, security, and composability will be the goals for ecosystem dapps.
“ZKThreads enable direct execution on Starknet when necessary, ensuring liveness at every stage and leaner design for decentralized applications,” stated StarkWare’s head of product strategy, Louis Guthmann, in an interview with The Block.
Cartridge, a developer based in Starknet, will employ ZKThreads initially to scale on-chain games. Prior to its implementation on the testnet, ZKThreads is anticipated to have undergone nine months of development.
ZKThreads is comprised of several critical components, including a prover, a batcher, and various contracts that manage state changes and application logic on a network like Starknet. This configuration ensures that all Starknet transactions are accurate and functional.
An additional feature of ZKThreads is its capability to support direct executions on Starknet in an emergency. Application logic is employed to regulate the creation and modification of transactions and state changes within the thread’s app contracts.
Subsequently, these transactions are consolidated into sub-blocks, which serves to optimize resource utilization and streamline processing times.
ZKThreads is anticipated to enable Starknet to support high-performance decentralized applications, specifically those that rely on session-based on-chain activities such as poker and chess.
According to StarkWare, players will be required to remit payments exclusively at the conclusion of the game, when the results are documented on the public Starknet. This feature will enable StarkWare to economically host a wider variety of game genres wholly on the blockchain.
Additionally, this framework is designed to improve decentralized applications, specifically decentralized exchanges that operate on Starknet.
As an illustration, decentralized exchanges might witness a substantial decline in operational expenses because ZKThreads will restrict user fees to the moment of cashing out rather than incurring them on each individual transaction.
