Zero-Knowledge Execution

Definition ∞ Zero-knowledge execution refers to the process of running a computation or transaction without revealing any information about the inputs or the computation itself, beyond the validity of its outcome. This is achieved through zero-knowledge proofs, which cryptographically attest to the correctness of an operation without disclosing its underlying data. It enables privacy-preserving operations on public blockchains. This technique ensures confidentiality and verifiability.
Context ∞ Zero-knowledge execution is a rapidly advancing field in blockchain technology, frequently featured in news as a solution for privacy and scalability in decentralized applications. Discussions center on its application in confidential transactions, private smart contracts, and Layer 2 scaling solutions. The development of efficient zero-knowledge execution is pivotal for expanding the utility of public blockchains for sensitive use cases.