zkEVM
A zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine that enables Ethereum-compatible smart contracts to be executed with privacy and scalability using zero-knowledge proofs.
What is zkEVM?
A zkEVM (zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine) is a specialized virtual machine that extends the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) by integrating zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), specifically zk-SNARKs or zk-STARKs, to enable private and scalable execution of Ethereum smart contracts.
It maintains full compatibility with Ethereum’s ecosystem, allowing developers to deploy existing smart contracts and dApps while leveraging ZKPs to prove correct execution without revealing sensitive data, such as transaction details or contract states. This enhances privacy and enables off-chain computation with on-chain verification, significantly boosting throughput compared to Ethereum’s Layer 1.
The zkEVM processes transactions off-chain, generating succinct proofs that are verified on Ethereum’s main chain, reducing gas costs and improving scalability. For example, projects like Polygon zkEVM and zkSync Era achieve thousands of transactions per second (TPS) on Layer 2, compared to Ethereum’s 10–15 TPS on Layer 1, while maintaining security through cryptographic proofs.
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