What is the difference between zksync and StarkNet, the two top-level ZK rollup solutions?
Zero-knowledge proof technology refers to one party (the prover) being able to send a certain statement to another party (the verifier), and the verifier can verify that statement is true without gaining any knowledge about the information. So what is the difference between zksync and StarkNet, the two top-level ZK rollup solutions?
A comprehensive understanding of zkSync and StarkNet scaling solutions: proof mechanisms, on-chain data, and ecosystem development
zkSync and StarkNet are the two top-level Layer 2 (L2) solutions that use ZK rollup technology to scale the Ethereum network.
First, let's quickly summarize zkSync and StarkNet.
MatterLabs released zkSync V1 as a SNARK proof rollup protocol on the Ethereum mainnet in June 2020.
In October 2022, MatterLabs launched the first phase of zkSync 2.0 mainnet called "Baby Alpha."
In November 2021, StarkWare Ltd. released StarkNet, a STARK proof rollup protocol on the Ethereum testnet. The protocol was later released on the mainnet as Alpha version 0.4.0.
One key difference between zkSync and StarkNet is that they utilize different proof protocols, namely:
SNARKs (succinct non-interactive zero-knowledge proofs) for zkSync;
STARKs (scalable transparent arguments of knowledge) for StarkNet.
Fundamental differences between SNARKs and STARKs proofs:
Setup;
Scalability;
Resistance to quantum computer attacks;
Differences between ZK-SNARKs and ZK-STARKs:
In fact, ZK-STARKs are 10 times faster than ZK-SNARKs.
However, a current drawback of ZK-STARKs is that the technology is not yet mature, limiting its generality.
A comprehensive understanding of zkSync and StarkNet scaling solutions: proof mechanisms, on-chain data, and ecosystem development
Compared to StarkNet, StarkEx is not a ZK-rollup but a customizable Layer-2 SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) that uses STARK proofs to provide massive scalability for applications.
A comprehensive understanding of zkSync and StarkNet scaling solutions: proof mechanisms, on-chain data, and ecosystem development
Key points:
StarkNet is a general rollup chain;
StarkEx is a toolkit specifically made for applications;
StarkNet can scale Ethereum;
StarkEx can scale decentralized exchanges;
StarkNet allows interoperability between DApps, but StarkEx does not;
Understanding their differences is important because DApps using StarkEx are typically part of the StarkNet ecosystem, but metrics like TVL (Total Value Locked) are completely different.
Some notable on-chain data in the zkSync ecosystem:
According to L2beat, zkSync has a TVL of $52.97 million, despite not having a token;
According to Orbiter Finance, zkSync is the third-ranked L2 in terms of trading volume;
Over 300 projects have joined the zkSync ecosystem;
Total funding: $458 million;
Some notable on-chain data in the StarkNet ecosystem:
According to L2beat, StarkNet has a TVL of $4.61 million, despite not having a token;
Over 200 projects have joined the StarkNet ecosystem;
Total funding: $273 million, provided by StarkWare;
A comprehensive understanding of zkSync and StarkNet scaling solutions: proof mechanisms, on-chain data, and ecosystem development