Definition ∞ Verifier circuit size refers to the computational complexity or resource footprint required to execute the verification algorithm for a cryptographic proof, particularly in zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) systems. A smaller circuit size indicates greater efficiency, meaning less computational power and time are needed to confirm the validity of a statement without revealing its underlying data. This is crucial for scalability.
Context ∞ Verifier circuit size is a key technical consideration often discussed in crypto news when evaluating the efficiency and practicality of various ZKP implementations, such as zk-SNARKs and zk-STARKs. Advances in reducing this size are vital for improving the performance of privacy-preserving applications and scaling solutions, directly impacting transaction costs and throughput on blockchain networks.