Non-Interactive Zero-Knowledge

Definition ∞ Non-interactive zero-knowledge (NIZK) is a cryptographic proof system where a prover can demonstrate knowledge of a secret to a verifier without revealing any information about the secret itself, and crucially, without any interaction between them after the proof is generated. The verifier can check the proof independently. This advanced cryptographic technique is vital for privacy and scalability in blockchain protocols. It enables verifiable privacy without direct communication.
Context ∞ The application of NIZKs is a significant discussion in scaling blockchain networks and enabling confidential transactions in decentralized finance. A critical future development involves optimizing NIZK schemes for efficiency and integrating them into mainstream blockchain architectures. Debates often center on the computational costs associated with generating these proofs and their security guarantees in various real-world scenarios.