The architectural design of the ZKThreads includes several essential components: a butcher, a prover, as well as different contracts that handle application logic and state changes on a network such as Starknet.
StarkWare, the main developer behind the Layer-2 blockchain Starknet, has unveiled a new scaling framework based on ZK execution sharding called ZKThreads. This protocol aims to improve the scalability of Decentralized Applications (DApps) on Starknet via execution sharding enabled with zero-knowledge proofs.
ZKThreads Utilizes StarkWare’s Fractal Scaling
Notably, this new solution takes support from the concept of fractal scaling that was introduced by StarkWare three years ago. The goal is to utilize ZKThreads for the expansion of Starknet’s array of “fractal-scaling” solutions. According to Starknet, this addition would offer users an alternative to the existing ZK coprocessors that function similarly.
Over time, the existing ZK coprocessors have proven to be quite effective; however, they often operate independently. Invariably, this leads to the development of applications with fragmented liquidity and reduced interoperability needs.
The challenge of fragmentation is what ZKThreads is set out to address. Precisely, StarkWare plans to tackle this setback by providing a standardized development environment that supports provable applications.
The application of the execution sharding will support different segments of network transactions or computations. It will perform this task in sync with maintaining security through zero-knowledge proofs. Such a framework is designed to constantly ensure that blockchain dApps can scale effectively by distributing the computational and transactional load while ensuring the decentralization or security of the network is not compromised.
Layer-3 chains that are resident in the Starknet ecosystem will also have access to this new framework. Generally, these L3 chains are known for supporting the scaling of dApps that require fully customizable control. However, ZKThreads offers more flexible scaling that ensures liveness is provided at every step by allowing for direct fallback onto the base layer.
Multiple Features on StarkWare’s ZKThreads
The architectural design of the ZKThreads includes several essential components: a butcher, a prover, as well as different contracts that handle application logic and state changes on a network such as Starknet. This is available to guarantee the accuracy and usability of transactions across the Starknet ecosystem.
In the long run, the new ZKThreads framework will provide greater composability, security, and interoperability for ecosystem dApps. Louis Guthmann, head of product strategy at StarkWare, shared more insights on the functionalities of the scaling framework.
“ZKThreads open the door to executing directly on Starknet when needed, ensuring liveness at every step and leaner design for dapps,” Guthmann said.
The ZKThreads is yet to be officially launched but is expected in the next nine months, probably Q1, 2025. After that, it would be implemented on the testnet. One of the first users of the framework will be Starknet-based developer Cartridge, utilizing the ZKThreads for scaling on-chain games.
The design of the scaling framework is viewed to hold the capacity to transform dApps especially the decentralized exchanges on Starknet.
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