Ethereum scalability battle heats up with multiple zkEVM projects

zkEVM (zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine) technology can potentially revolutionize Ethereum’s scalability, and the competition among zkEVM projects tells a gripping story of innovation, rivalry, and aspiration.

An ethereum (ETH) scalability battle is heating up as zkEVM projects compete for dominance.

Ethereum creator Vitalik Buterin’s involvement and heated Twitter debates only add to the excitement, as the zkEVM revolution is poised to reshape the cryptocurrency landscape in the coming years.

Unraveling the potential of zkEVM

To appreciate the importance of zkEVM technology advancements, it is crucial to understand the basics of zero-knowledge rollups and the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).

Zero-knowledge rollups (zk-rollups), a layer-2 scaling solution built on Ethereum, aggregate multiple off-chain transactions into a compressed representation, or “rollup,” and submit the rollup’s proof to the main Ethereum blockchain.

This process significantly reduces on-chain data processing, increasing network throughput and lowering transaction fees.

The EVM, Ethereum’s backbone, executes smart contracts that power decentralized applications (dApps), ensuring their correct and secure execution according to Ethereum protocol rules.

By merging the power of zk-rollups and EVM compatibility, zkEVMs emerge as game-changers in the Ethereum ecosystem. These networks enable developers to move their smart contracts without modifying existing code, enhancing dApps’ performance and scalability.

zkEVMs’ ability to execute thousands of transactions per second, far surpassing Ethereum’s mainnet throughput, allows for various applications previously hindered by network congestion and high gas fees.

Moreover, the zero-knowledge aspect of zkEVMs ensures transaction data privacy and security, making them attractive solutions for projects requiring privacy or handling sensitive information.

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zkEVM projects reshaping the Ethereum landscape

As zkEVM technology gains traction, several innovative projects are leveraging its potential to create groundbreaking solutions for the Ethereum ecosystem.

Here, we delve into four pioneering zkEVM-based projects pushing the boundaries of scalability, compatibility, and privacy.

Polygon

At the forefront of Ethereum layer 2 solutions, polygon (MATIC) has established itself as a leader in zk-rollup technology.

In simple terms, EVM-equivalence means devs who build on Polygon zkEVM Mainnet Beta should feel just like they’re building on Ethereum, only cheaper, and with a bridge.

Early developer experiences already bear out why EVM-equivalence is important.https://t.co/5Ib2QftpaL

— Polygon (@0xPolygon) March 30, 2023

Polygon’s zk-rollups are faster and more cost-effective than many competing solutions by employing recursive proofs. Polygon’s zk-rollups are also fully Ethereum-compatible, making it easier for developers to create and migrate smart contracts.

With multiple blockchain networks under its umbrella, including the highly-decentralized Polygon Hermez and the high-performance Polygon Zero, this project continuously expands its offerings.

ZKSync

ZKSync offers an Ethereum layer 2 solution that combines high speeds, low gas fees, and robust security.

gm zkEVM! ??

zkSync Era Mainnet Alpha is now open to all users.
Developers, projects, and users can now experience the power of zkEVM.

Read more: https://t.co/pL5PuZqanu

1/11 pic.twitter.com/oS6dwmXzeB

— zkSync ∎ (@zksync) March 24, 2023

Its zk-rollup protocol is fully EVM-compatible, allowing developers to easily redeploy live smart contracts without any modifications.

ZKSync uses SNARKs (succinct, non-interactive argument of knowledge) for its proofing protocol, providing a unique approach to scalability and security. Some prominent projects deployed on the ZKSync blockchain include Argent, Gitcoin, Yearn Finance, and Gnosis Safe.

Loopring

Loopring is a zk-rollup-based layer 2 protocol to build decentralized exchanges (DEXs), non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and payment systems.

Reminder! @loopringorg is the cheapest rollup for ERC20 and NFT transfers

Build fast and secure gaming, payment, and DeFi applications with Ethereum-level security

ZK technology is here! What will you create? pic.twitter.com/uJO29vPCbk

— Adam Browman (@A_Browman) January 30, 2023

By enabling non-custodial trading through an order book method, Loopring offers a more familiar experience akin to traditional centralized exchanges.

In addition to powering independent DEXs, Loopring has its own DEX – Loopring Exchange, the first publicly accessible zk-rollup exchange built on the Ethereum blockchain. While offering unique benefits for decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, Loopring processes an average of 200 transactions per second (TPS).

Scroll

Developed in collaboration with the Ethereum Foundation, Scroll is a cutting-edge zk-rollup-based layer 2 blockchain designed to offer the highest level of Ethereum compatibility.

Its zk-rollups are verifiable on the general EVM, allowing for seamless migration of existing Ethereum dApps.

This week, we hit a milestone- a 99.4% pass rate of the EVM GeneralStateTests.

More improvements are actively being developed and are on the way!

— Scroll ? (@Scroll_ZKP) March 17, 2023

With a decentralized market for proofs in the works and $30 million in funding, Scroll is poised to significantly impact the Ethereum ecosystem.

Intense competition between zkEVM projects

The zkEVM revolution is driven by a dedication to web3 development and open-source innovation. Polygon’s decision to make its zkEVM entirely open-source fosters collaboration and experimentation in the zero-knowledge space.

By sharing their code, zkEVM projects aim to create a decentralized and collaborative environment, paving the way for future innovations and breakthroughs in scaling solutions.

However, the rivalry among competing zkEVM projects has escalated into public disagreements and debates on Twitter. In a fiery debate that shook the blockchain world, Brendan Farmer, the co-founder of Polygon Zero, engaged in a heated tussle with Alex Gluchowski, the CEO of zkSync.

How exactly are you going to optimize to overcome this whopping 128x difference in efficiency?

— Alex G. ∎ (@gluk64) March 30, 2023

While the market’s eventual dominant project remains uncertain, the rivalry emphasizes the potential of zkEVM technology in revolutionizing Ethereum’s scalability.

Fully agree, everyone has a long way to go and needs multiple iterations of zkEVM. Many fundamental problems haven’t been really solved regardless of how aggressively one chooses to approach the mainnet.

Learn from others, be transparent, and keep building ? https://t.co/02JO5yfwCU

— Ye Zhang ? (@yezhang1998) April 2, 2023

Industry giants’ involvement and high-profile endorsements

The launch of zkEVM projects has garnered attention from industry giants and high-profile endorsements. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin participated in Polygon’s zkEVM main net launch, initiating the first transaction and embedding a hidden message.

.@VitalikButerin did the symbolic first ever transaction on @0xPolygon #zkEVM and it has a message on it

«Millions of constraints for man, unconstrained scalability for mankind»

Goose bumps!! https://t.co/HLNiVyRLie pic.twitter.com/Ue0C1CuDTd

— Sandeep Nailwal | sandeep. polygon ? (@sandeepnailwal) March 27, 2023

Additionally, Ethereum software firm ConsenSys entered the race with its zkEVM, “Linea.”

? Thrilled to announce that ConsenSys zkEVM is now Linea✨: an innovative Layer 2 solution for Ethereum! @LineaBuild empowers developers to build scalable dapps without constraints, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in web3 ?https://t.co/fp9QiSsUfw

— ConsenSys (@ConsenSys) March 28, 2023

These endorsements and the entrance of major players in the cryptocurrency space underscore the importance and potential of zkEVMs in transforming the Ethereum ecosystem.

Anticipating a zero-knowledge technology-dominated future

As the zkEVM race intensifies, many predict that zero-knowledge technology will dominate the Ethereum landscape in the coming years.

This prediction aligns with the growing interest in zkEVM projects and their potential to reshape Ethereum’s future. Although the ultimate winner remains unknown, the race is underway to revolutionize blockchain technology and elevate Ethereum to unprecedented levels.

With the stakes higher than ever, the crypto world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in the zkEVM saga, and one can only envision the possibilities ahead.

Read more: Cardano’s integrations to improve on-chain gaming and smart contracts

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