Trace Length

Definition ∞ Trace length in cryptography refers to the number of computational steps or operations recorded in a verifiable computation. This metric quantifies the extent of the execution history that a cryptographic proof system needs to attest to. A shorter trace length generally indicates greater efficiency in proof generation and verification, as less data needs to be processed. Optimizing trace length is a key goal in designing scalable and performant zero-knowledge proof systems.
Context ∞ Trace length is a critical technical parameter discussed in the context of zero-knowledge proofs and verifiable computation, particularly for scaling blockchain applications. Reducing trace length helps address the ZKP bottleneck by making proofs smaller and faster to generate and verify. Ongoing research focuses on developing arithmetic circuits and polynomial commitments that minimize this computational depth.