Zero-Knowledge Proofs
A cryptographic method allowing one party to prove knowledge of a value without revealing the value itself.
Understanding Zero-Knowledge Proofs
A Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is a cryptographic method that allows one party (prover) to prove to another party (verifier) that they know a specific piece of information without revealing the actual information. It ensures privacy and security in authentication and blockchain transactions.
Key Properties of Zero-Knowledge Proofs
Completeness – If the statement is true, the verifier will be convinced.
Soundness – If the statement is false, the verifier will not be fooled.
Zero-Knowledge – The verifier learns nothing except that the statement is true.
How Zero-Knowledge Proofs Work
Setup – The prover and verifier agree on a challenge.
Proof Generation – The prover uses cryptographic techniques to generate proof.
Verification – The verifier checks the proof without knowing the underlying data.
Types of Zero-Knowledge Proofs
zk-SNARKs (Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge) – Used in Zcash for fast and compact proofs.
zk-STARKs (Scalable Transparent Argument of Knowledge) – More scalable and transparent, used in Ethereum scaling solutions.
Interactive ZKPs – Requires back-and-forth interaction between prover and verifier.
Non-Interactive ZKPs – No interaction needed; proof is generated and verified independently.