Range Checks

Definition ∞ Range checks are a fundamental component in zero-knowledge proofs and other verifiable computation systems, used to cryptographically verify that a numerical value falls within a specified minimum and maximum boundary. These checks ensure data integrity and prevent overflows or underflows, which are critical for the correct execution of smart contracts and privacy-preserving computations. Implementing range checks efficiently within arithmetic circuits is essential for optimizing proof size. They contribute significantly to the security and reliability of decentralized applications.
Context ∞ In the development of zero-knowledge applications and blockchain scaling solutions, the efficiency of range checks is a frequent topic of discussion. News reports on new cryptographic primitives or improvements to existing proof systems often highlight how they handle range constraints more effectively. Advancements in this area directly impact the performance and cost of privacy-preserving transactions and verifiable computations on decentralized networks.