Definition ∞ Optimal prover cost refers to the lowest possible computational expense required for a “prover” to generate a cryptographic proof in a zero-knowledge system. This cost is measured in terms of computational resources, such as CPU cycles or memory usage. Minimizing prover cost is critical for making zero-knowledge proofs practical and scalable, especially for complex computations or frequent verifications. It directly impacts the efficiency of privacy-preserving technologies.
Context ∞ The pursuit of optimal prover cost is a major research objective in the field of zero-knowledge cryptography, with significant implications for blockchain scalability and privacy. News often highlights breakthroughs in proof systems that achieve substantial reductions in these costs, making advanced cryptographic applications more feasible. The ongoing debate centers on the trade-offs between prover cost, verifier cost, and the size of the resulting proof.
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