GlossaryAdvanced
zk-STARK
A type of zero-knowledge proof that avoids a trusted setup, at the cost of larger proof sizes.
A zk-STARK (Zero-Knowledge Scalable Transparent Argument of Knowledge) is a type of zero-knowledge proof that, unlike many zk-SNARK constructions, doesn't require a trusted setup process, at the cost of generally larger proof sizes.
Avoiding a trusted setup removes a specific, documented trust assumption some zk-SNARK implementations require (see Kaavon's "zk-SNARK" and "Zero-Knowledge Proof" glossary definitions), a meaningful design trade-off between the two approaches.
Examples
- A project prioritizing avoiding any trusted setup might choose zk-STARKs over a zk-SNARK implementation that requires one.
- zk-STARK proofs are generally larger in size than equivalent zk-SNARK proofs.