SNARKs

Definition ∞ SNARKs are a type of cryptographic proof system allowing verification of computations without executing them. The acronym stands for Succinct Non-interactive ARguments of Knowledge, representing a proof that is compact and easily verifiable, requiring minimal interaction between the prover and verifier. These proofs confirm the truth of a statement without revealing any underlying data, preserving privacy and enhancing computational efficiency. SNARKs are fundamental to zero-knowledge cryptography.
Context ∞ SNARKs are a pivotal technology in advancing privacy and scalability solutions within blockchain networks, particularly for decentralized applications and private transactions. News often covers their implementation in zero-knowledge rollups (ZK-rollups) to process transactions off-chain, significantly reducing computational load on mainnets. Ongoing research focuses on improving their efficiency and making them more accessible for broader adoption across various protocols.