zkSync is a layer 2 (L2) scaling solution for Ethereum that uses zero-knowledge rollup (ZK-rollup) technology. ZK-rollup is a layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum that uses zero-knowledge-proofs. The fundamental difference between ZK-rollups and optimistic rollups (Arbitrum and Optimism) is the way the Ethereum network verifies and stores the data. Let's see what zkSync is, how it works and its main features.
What is zkSync?
zkSync is a layer 2 (L2) scaling solution for Ethereum that uses zero-knowledge rollup (ZK-rollup) technology. This technology allows for faster and cheaper transactions, while offering users the security of the Ethereum network. The Matter Labs team is the developer of the zkSync ecosystem. Initially, zkSync launched its zkSync 1.0 platform in June 2020. However, zkSync 1.0 does not support smart contracts. The second iteration “zkSync 2.0” was released later in late 2022, with a full mainnet by 2023 in mind. In February 2023, Matter Labs rebranded all of its products with zkSync 2.0 changing its name to zkSync Era and 1.0 to zkSync Lite. This rebrand also coincides with zkSync Era Fair Onboarding Alpha, where projects and developers can test and test the network. Additionally, zkSync Era is now focused on creating an EVM-compatible ZK technology called zkEVM.
zkSync roadmap. Source: BitKeep.
How does zkSync work?
The basis of zkSync Era is ZK-rollup. ZK-rollup is a layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum that uses zero-knowledge-proofs. The fundamental difference between ZK-rollups and optimistic rollups (Arbitrum and Optimism) is the way the Ethereum network verifies and stores the data. ZK-rollups are more efficient, consume less gas and require less storage than standard rollups. Additionally, zero-knowledge technology intrinsically protects users' private information. Thus, transactions in the zkSync Era are “rolled” in batches to be verified by the Ethereum mainnet. The Ethereum network only needs to verify one ZKP as proof of validity for an entire batch of transactions. The difficulty with a ZK network lies in creating an efficient ZKP that does not require enormous computing power. This is why ZK networks typically undergo a rigorous R&D process before launching their mainnet. Matter Labs needs to ensure that its gas price and network speed are comparable to and even exceed the current L2.
Compatibility comparison of different scaling solutions. Source: Pintu.
What makes zkSync unique?
- Native account abstraction: zkSync Era comes with a native account abstraction that upgrades traditional externally owned accounts (EOAs) like MetaMask users to smart contract accounts (CAs). This unlocks an infinite amount of possibilities such as no seed phrases, bundling multiple operations and automating payments.
- ZK-rollup privacy and speed: The basis of zkSync is its ZK-rollup technology. ZK-rollup combines a natively privacy-preserving network with fast transaction processing.
- Ethereum level security: A ZK-rollup layer 2 leverages Ethereum as its base layer. Therefore, zkSync Era relies on Ethereum for security against network-level hacks and attacks.
- EVM Compatibility: The main value proposition of zkSync Era is its EVM compatibility with zkEVM. zkEVM enables ZK-based smart contracts to be compatible with the Ethereum EVM. After a basic learning curve, developers can easily build on zkSync Era using Ethereum's native programming language like Solidity.