Scalable Proofs

Definition ∞ Scalable proofs are cryptographic proofs designed to be efficiently verifiable even as the complexity or size of the data they attest to increases. These proofs allow for the verification of complex computations or data sets without requiring the verifier to process the entire dataset. This characteristic is fundamental for enabling efficient blockchain scaling.
Context ∞ Scalable proofs are a cornerstone of modern zero-knowledge proof systems and are pivotal for the development of layer-2 scaling solutions on blockchains like Ethereum. Discussions often center on the trade-offs between proof generation time, proof verification time, and the size of the proofs themselves. The ongoing research aims to reduce the computational overhead associated with generating and verifying these proofs, thereby enhancing network capacity and reducing transaction costs.