Sublinear Proof Systems

Definition ∞ Sublinear proof systems are cryptographic protocols where the time or space complexity required to verify a proof is less than linear with respect to the size of the statement being proven. This efficiency gain allows for quick verification of complex computations or large datasets without requiring the verifier to re-execute the entire computation. They enable scalable and privacy-preserving verification.
Context ∞ Sublinear proof systems, including various forms of zero-knowledge proofs like SNARKs and STARKs, are foundational to scaling blockchain networks and enabling privacy features in digital assets. They allow for off-chain computation verification, reducing the burden on the main chain and enhancing transaction throughput. Ongoing advancements in these systems are critical for the next generation of decentralized applications and their widespread adoption.