Zk SNARKs Groth16

Definition ∞ Zk-SNARKs Groth16 is a specific, widely adopted construction of a Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge. This cryptographic proof system allows one party to prove to another that a statement is true without revealing any information beyond the truth of the statement itself. Groth16 is known for its efficiency, offering very small proof sizes and fast verification times. It requires a trusted setup phase for each new computation.
Context ∞ Zk-SNARKs Groth16 is a foundational technology for many privacy-preserving and scaling solutions in the blockchain space, including certain rollups and private transaction protocols. The requirement for a trusted setup is a central discussion point, as it introduces a potential single point of failure if the setup parameters are compromised. Current research explores alternatives to trusted setups, such as transparent setups or recursive proofs. Future developments anticipate continued optimization and broader application of Groth16, alongside the exploration of new zk-SNARK constructions.