Definition ∞ QAP construction, or Quadratic Arithmetic Program construction, is a mathematical method used to represent a computation in a form suitable for generating zero-knowledge proofs. It translates a given program or circuit into a set of polynomials, where the roots of these polynomials correspond to the correct execution of the computation. This transformation is a fundamental step in building efficient ZK-SNARKs. The process ensures that verifying the computation becomes a simple check of polynomial identities.
Context ∞ QAP construction is a highly technical but essential component discussed in news related to advanced cryptography and blockchain scaling. Its application in ZK-SNARKs allows for off-chain computation with on-chain verification, significantly improving throughput and privacy. The relevance to digital assets includes enabling more complex and private decentralized applications. Research continues to optimize QAP construction for greater efficiency and to support a wider array of computational tasks.