Scalable Arguments

Definition ∞ Scalable arguments refer to cryptographic proof systems designed to verify computations efficiently, where the verification time grows much slower than the computation time. These systems allow a prover to convince a verifier that a complex computation was performed correctly, without the verifier having to rerun the entire computation. They are essential for improving the efficiency of decentralized applications. Such proofs maintain security guarantees while reducing computational overhead. They offer a path to increased transaction throughput.
Context ∞ Scalable arguments, often related to zero-knowledge proofs like SNARKs and STARKs, are a major area of innovation in blockchain technology, frequently appearing in news about layer-2 scaling solutions. They address the limitations of transaction throughput and computational cost on mainnet blockchains. Discussions often focus on their application in privacy-preserving transactions, off-chain computation verification, and cross-chain communication. Advancements in this field are crucial for the widespread adoption of decentralized systems. These developments aim to unlock new capabilities.