CCS Relations

Definition ∞ CCS Relations refer to a specific type of arithmetic circuit employed in the construction of zero-knowledge proofs. These relations represent computations as a system of quadratic equations over a finite field. They serve as an intermediate representation for programs or statements that a prover seeks to verify without disclosing the underlying data. This structure is fundamental for various succinct non-interactive argument systems.
Context ∞ CCS Relations represent a technical component frequently discussed in advanced cryptographic research, particularly in the context of new zero-knowledge proof systems like zk-SNARKs and zk-STARKs. Their efficiency and expressiveness directly influence the performance and proof size of these protocols, which are vital for scaling blockchain networks and enabling privacy features. Ongoing work aims to improve the conversion of arbitrary computations into efficient CCS Relations.