Zero-Knowledge Rollups: The Core of Starknet

At its heart, Starknet is a ZK-Rollup—a type of Layer 2 solution that bundles hundreds or thousands of transactions off-chain and posts a succinct cryptographic proof on-chain. Unlike Optimistic Rollups, which assume transactions are valid unless proven otherwise (requiring a delay for fraud proofs), ZK-Rollups prove the correctness of all transactions upfront using cryptographic validity proofs.

Starknet specifically uses STARKs, a form of zero-knowledge proof that is post-quantum secure, more scalable, and doesn’t require a trusted setup, unlike the SNARKs (used by some competitors). This positions Starknet as a future-proof solution ready for the next generation of cryptography and computing.

Key Features That Differentiate Starknet

1. Scalability Through Recursive STARKs

Starknet introduces recursive proofs, enabling multiple proofs to be verified within a single proof. This innovation allows exponential scalability, making it possible to verify vast batches of transactions with minimal overhead. Recursive STARKs play a key role in keeping the system decentralized and efficient as usage scales.

2. General-Purpose Smart Contract Support

Unlike many ZK-Rollups that are optimized for specific use cases (like payments), Starknet is a general-purpose L2. It supports complex smart contracts, allowing developers to build a wide range of decentralized applications (dApps). This is made possible through the use of Cairo, StarkWare’s custom programming language optimized for ZK computation.

3. Cairo and the CairoVM

Cairo (CPU Algebraic Intermediate Representation) is Starknet’s native language, built from the ground up to generate efficient STARK proofs. While this initially presented a learning curve for developers used to Solidity, it has enabled novel performance optimizations. Cairo 1.0, released in 2023, is more developer-friendly and supports safer, more robust application development.

The CairoVM serves as the execution engine, allowing the same code to be run both off-chain (for proof generation) and on-chain (for verification), aligning computation integrity with Ethereum security.

4. Decentralization Roadmap

Starknet has a well-defined path toward decentralization. In 2024 and beyond, the team plans to introduce decentralized sequencers and provers, ensuring that no single entity controls the network’s transaction ordering or proof generation. This decentralization is vital to maintaining censorship resistance and aligning with Ethereum’s ethos.

5. Ethereum Compatibility and Interoperability

Starknet is designed to be Ethereum-native. It posts data and proofs directly to Ethereum Layer 1, inheriting its security. Moreover, bridges and developer tools are rapidly evolving to ensure smooth interoperability between Starknet and other L1/L2 ecosystems. The StarkGate bridge is one example, allowing seamless asset transfers between Ethereum and Starknet.

Starknet vs Other Layer 2s

Starknet’s use of STARKs not only gives it scalability and transparency advantages, but also uniquely positions it for a post-quantum future, a consideration increasingly important in long-term blockchain infrastructure planning.

Ecosystem and Adoption

The Starknet ecosystem has been expanding rapidly, with DeFi platforms (like Nostra, zkLend), NFT marketplaces (like Aspect), and gaming projects (like Realms and Influence) building on its scalable infrastructure. Starknet has also received backing from major investors and collaborations with Ethereum developers, signaling growing confidence in its technology.

The Starknet Token (STRK) has introduced decentralized governance mechanisms, further aligning the network with the community and developers building on it.

Conclusion

Starknet brings a distinct and powerful approach to Ethereum scalability. Its commitment to zero-knowledge cryptography, use of STARKs, custom programming via Cairo, and roadmap toward full decentralization make it a standout among Layer 2 solutions. While still evolving, its architectural choices and developer momentum position it as a key player in Ethereum’s scaling journey.

As blockchain applications demand ever more throughput, privacy, and robustness, Starknet’s innovative foundation gives it a compelling edge in the race for the future of scalable and secure decentralized computation.

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Exploring Braavos Wallet: A Secure and User-Friendly Smart Contract Wallet

Take a closer look at what Braavos Wallet has to offer. It’s not just any ordinary wallet. Rather, it’s a smart contract wallet that delivers both security and ease of use when accessing Starknet and other Dapps. Starknet, on the other hand, is a decentralized layer-2 network that revolutionizes Ethereum by enabling secure scaling while giving Dapps the freedom to scale transactions and computation infinitely.

Why Braavos Wallet is the Smart Choice for Secure Transactions on Starknet

Braavos Wallet is a standout option for those looking for smart contract accounts with advanced functionalities. Among its many features are multi-call capabilities, hardware signers, multi-factor authentication, and daily withdrawal limits. With Braavos Wallet, interacting with Starknet is a breeze.

Here are some of the benefits of choosing Braavos Wallet for all your transaction needs:

1. Unrivaled Security
   Braavos Wallet ensures asset security using encryption, advanced security measures, 2FA, hardware signing, and 3FA. It also employs Starknet’s zk-STARK technology, providing low fees and scalability while maintaining Ethereum’s security and decentralization.
2. User-Friendly Interface
   Braavos Wallet has an intuitive and visually pleasing interface that simplifies asset management and transaction execution for crypto enthusiasts. It offers a hassle-free onboarding experience through a comprehensive walkthrough.
3.  Cross-Platform and Devices Compatibility
   Braavos Wallet is a Starknet-compatible digital wallet that offers cross-platform functionality, allowing users to manage their cryptocurrencies seamlessly across multiple devices and platforms.
4. Human-Readable Transactions
   Braavos Wallet solves the confusion of crypto transactions by presenting transaction details in a human-readable format to reduce the risk of errors and phishing attacks while empowering users to make informed decisions.
5. Integrated Decentralized Exchange (DEX) & Deposit Section
   Braavos Wallet has a decentralized exchange (DEX) feature, allowing users to swap tokens without leaving the wallet or connecting to external exchanges. This reduces potential errors, saves time and mitigates risks. The Deposit section helps bridge assets from other chains into Starknet using Braavos Wallet.

The Integration of Braavos Wallet by Rango: A Revolutionary Move

As Rango Exchange forges a partnership with Braavos Wallet, its users stand to gain substantial benefits stemming from the respective strengths of both platforms in the cryptocurrency sphere.

Maximizing Liquidity and Rates with Rango Exchange

By consolidating DEXes and bridges on a single platform, Rango Exchange is able to offer its users optimal rates and liquidity. What’s more, users can take advantage of cross-chain liquidity from other supported blockchain networks without the hassle of using multiple platforms or interfaces.

Secure and Simple Token Swapping with Rango Exchange and Braavos Wallet

Rango Exchange and Braavos Wallet offer a secure and easy way to swap tokens. Users can sign off on their transactions with Braavos Wallet without revealing their private keys or seed phrases. This integration eliminates the requirement for additional software or extensions. Plus, Braavos Wallet can be used seamlessly on any device or browser.

A New Era for the Starknet Ecosystem with Rango Exchange and Braavos Wallet

Rango Exchange and Braavos Wallet are partnering up to bring users an unparalleled level of ease and efficiency when swapping and bridging tokens. This collaboration marks an exciting development for the Starknet ecosystem, as users can now benefit from the system’s scalability and security, as well as the best rates and liquidity offered by Rango Exchange.

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Tokens held by StarkWare shareholders, employees, and independent partner software developers are locked for a four-year period, with a gradual release starting after one year.

Token Allocation Process

Locked tokens can be used for voting and staking, but cannot be transferred or traded. Some of the tokens are locked via a dedicated smart contract on Ethereum while other tokens are locked via custodians.

Separately, 50.1% of the existing StarkNet tokens are allocated to the StarkNet Foundation, to be used to meet its goals. These tokens are not locked. However, the Foundation will need time to formulate the exact mechanism to further allocate those tokens and will share its plans in due time.

Why Is It Lockup?

Locking the tokens for the aforementioned period ensures that current contributors align with the long-term incentives of StarkNet. It also discourages speculation over the token in advance of widespread usage for its intended purposes: securing the network, paying fees, and decentralizing governance.

Voting

The Foundation will be in charge of facilitating sound governance and formulating the voting mechanisms. The StarkNet Token was designed to allow both direct voting and a range of delegation mechanisms.

For L1 Voting

Furthermore, the ERC-20 implementation deployed now includes the optional use of Compound’s delegation module. Additionally, this module is widely used for on-chain voting. The reason it’s optional on StarkNet, and turned off by default, is a cost consideration. Turning it on means that every transfer of the StarkNet Tokens on L1 requires extra gas. It is needed solely for the purpose of tracking shifts in voting power.

Non-L1 Voting

The alternatives to L1 on-chain voting with Compound’s delegation module include off-chain voting, as well as StarkNet-based on-chain voting systems (such as SnapshotX). These alternatives, which significantly reduce gas consumption for L1 transfers, don’t require explicit support from the ERC-20 code currently deployed, and are thus inherently supported.

Staking

StarkNet’s permissionless and censorship-resistant operation requires a random selection of sequencers. The probability of a node being selected to sequence and propose a block is proportional to the number of StarkNet Tokens that node stakes. In addition, the rationale for using StarkNet Tokens (rather than, say, Ethereum or Bitcoin) is explained in the governance proposal. The exact details of staking, sequencing, and block creation on StarkNet are under ongoing discussion by the community and are yet to be finalized.

ABOUT StarkNet

StarkWare develops STARK-based solutions for the blockchain industry. Its products facilitate secure, trustless, and scalable blockchain applications.

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Hashstack announced its migration to Starkware’s zk-Rollup Solution Starknet, the first general-purpose permissionless Decentralized ZK-Rollup.

What are Zk-Rollups, and why are they needed?

Ethereum is the most popular blockchain development platform. 26.65% of all Dapps in existence are deploying on Ethereum. Today, 9 out of 10 dapps get deployed on Ethereum or EVM-based L1. This is primarily due to lower development barriers, & matured ecosystem of developers, and resources. On the flip side, the increased network load consistently leads to exorbitant gas fees and slower transaction times; which greatly impacts the network’s scalability.

This matters because, blockchain has made significant strides over the past few years with a projected CAGR of 56.3% between 2022 to 2029. This might not be possible if the predicaments of today continue to exist.

L2 scalability protocols such as zk-Rollups operate by rolling up hundreds of offchain transactions into a single transaction. They return a short non-interactive argument of knowledge(SNARK) to the main-chain as a proof of validity. This ensures that instead of hefty transaction data, only the validity proof has to be keep on the main Ethereum network, making ZK Rollups a faster and cheaper way to confirm transactions.

Hashstack Migration to Starknet

With this, Hashstack shifts its focus from EVM chains to zk-primitives to further its mission to build the critical infrastructure necessary to 10x the usability of decentralized finance, to truly empower financial inclusion through crypto.

About Starknet

StarkNet is a permissionless decentralized ZK-Rollup operating as an L2 network over Ethereum, where any dApp can achieve unlimited scale for its computation, without compromising Ethereum’s composability and security.

• Future-ready: In development since 2017, Starknet’s one of the few market-ready zk-rollups with over 205Mn transactions processed, facilitating over US $657Bn trading volume, to date; instilling confidence on the network’s reliablity.
• The community: Arguably the most collaborative ecosystem of buidlers we have come across. Adopting an entirely new development framework comes up with its own set of challenges. Starkware team’s success in building an open minded, collaboration-centric community made it 10x easier for Hashstack’s team to evaluate & deploy on Starknet. Additionally, Starkware incentivised Hashstack for building & deploying on Starknet.
• Cairo: Starknet’s virtual machine, power by Cairo. It is a turing complete language with syntax being similar to Python. In comparison to Solidity, Cairo is less restrictive & provides full low-level access to low-level primitives.

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About Hashstack

Hashstack builds critical infrastructure necessary to further the usability of decentralized finance.

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SOURCE

https://blog.hashstack.finance/announcing-hashstacks-switch-to-starknet/

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About the Raised Capital

Empiric Network $7M Seed Round is to build the oracle for the zk-future of blockchain.

Variant is joined by an amazing group of founding data partners including Alameda, CMT Digital, Flow Traders, FTX and Gemini, as well as ecosystem partners such as StarkWare and Sandeep Nailwal (Polygon), ROAD Capital, and a stellar group of angels such as Marc Bhagarva (Tagomi), Luke Pearson (Polychain), Max Kleiman-Weiner (Sequoia), Tekin Salimi (DAO5), Tarun Chitra (Gauntlet) and Robert Leshner (Compound).

Indeed, Empiric is reinventing the data infrastructure for DeFi.

But their mission is much broader: They are building the crucial decentralized infrastructure for all data, from the weather (parametric insurance) to sports (betting and fantasy sports) to news (prediction markets) and beyond.

They have assembled an exceptional team from places such as Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. Who built data infrastructure at Palantir. Created tokenized real estate with DLA Piper and have been building on zk-rollups since day one.

Empiric Network believes in a world where society’s crucial applications are accessible to anyone. Where transparency replaces backroom dealings and trustless software has made middlemen obsolete. With their deep knowledge of zk-technology and the ecosystem. They are here to build the decentralized data infrastructure our industry needs to make this vision a reality.

About Empiric Network

Empiric Network is the first decentralized, transparent and composable oracle network, leveraging state-of-the-art zero knowledge cryptography. Hence, they have partner with the biggest market makers and the most liquid exchanges who sign and timestamp their own high quality, robust data and send it directly on-chain. Their feeds are already live in public alpha on Starknet, where they are powering the next generation of ambitious protocols such as ZKLend, CurveZero, Magnety, Canvas, FujiDAO, and more.

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SOURCE

https://medium.com/@EmpiricNetwork/empiric-network-the-zk-native-oracle-dcff3c36658a

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StarkNet is a permissionless decentralized Layer 2 (L2) validity rollup. Built to allow Ethereum to scale via cryptographic protocols called STARKs. Without compromising Ethereum’s core principles of decentralization, transparency, as well as inclusivity, and security.

StarkNet’s Alpha launched on Mainnet

StarkNet’s Alpha launched on Mainnet in November 2021. Less than one year in, an ecosystem is forming, with dozens of teams worldwide working on it. Now is the time to advance the network’s decentralization, so it achieves the liveness, censorship resistance, transparency, and inclusivity demanded of an L2 on Ethereum.

Permissionless Proof-of-stake Leader

Decentralization means the network’s operation and evolution will not rely on any single entity, including StarkWare. A permissionless proof-of-stake leader election mechanism and on-chain payment of transaction fees, both using a native token, will enable the network to operate reliably as an L2 on Ethereum even should StarkWare cease to exist.

Decisions regarding the ongoing maintenance of StarkNet will shift from StarkWare to the community. A StarkNet Token and Foundation will be key elements of this effort.

StarkNet is built from cryptography and an open ecosystem. The cryptography is STARKs. These are protocols based on math that scale Ethereum by orders of magnitude. They require no trust setup, are post-quantum secure, and can be deploys succinctly at any scale.

StarkNet gives all developers and users access to the scale and security benefits of STARKs, for the purpose of scaling Ethereum while maintaining Ethereum’s core values. STARKs were invented by co-founders of StarkWare, who first used them to build the StarkEx scaling solution for clients.

Subsequently, StarkWare and other developer teams (collectively “Core Contributors”) built StarkNet, a public, decentralized, and permissionless infrastructure, to ensure that these scaling technologies are accessible to all in perpetuity.

The launch of StarkNet Alpha nearly a year ago prompted the emergence of a larger ecosystem committed to building and nurturing StarkNet. Numerous teams of developers worldwide are building its core infrastructure and new applications on it.

The way to decentralization

STARK technology is mature and secure, but StarkNet has not achieved the status of a public good like Ethereum or the Internet. For StarkNet to reach this goal, its governance, operation, and development must continue to decentralize. This will be facilitated through two mechanisms: the StarkNet Foundation and the StarkNet Token.

The StarkNet Token

The StarkNet Token needs to operate the ecosystem. Maintain and secure it, decide on its values and strategic goals and direct its evolution. The token use for governance, payment of transaction fees on StarkNet, and participation in StarkNet’s consensus mechanism.

The StarkNet Token model emphasizes compensating developers for their work. A portion of new minting and transaction fees, grants to core infrastructure, and smart contract developers. Paying for the work they have done to design and launch the protocol. In addition to compensating StarkNet operators for the work, they have done to operate it.

ABOUT StarkWare

StarkWare scaling solutions use STARK-based validity proofs to ensure an Ethereum-secure, fast and seamless user experience. They support a range of data availability modes.

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