STRK
A ZK-rollup layer-2 using STARK proofs for scalable and secure Ethereum transactions.
StarkNet is a ZK-rollup layer-2 solution for Ethereum built by StarkWare, a company founded by Eli Ben-Sasson (co-inventor of zk-STARKs), Uri Kolodny, Alessandro Chiesa, and Michael Riabzev. StarkWare has been a pioneer in zero-knowledge proof technology, with Ben-Sasson's academic work forming the foundation of the entire ZK-rollup space.
StarkNet uses STARK proofs, which are transparent (requiring no trusted setup) and quantum-resistant, unlike zk-SNARKs used by competitors. The network uses its own smart contract language called Cairo, which is optimized for ZK proof generation.
The STRK token launched in February 2024 through a significant airdrop. StarkNet has been adopted by major DeFi protocols and continues to push the boundaries of ZK technology for Ethereum scaling.
StarkNet uses STARK proofs (Scalable Transparent Arguments of Knowledge), which are zero-knowledge proofs that don't require a trusted setup ceremony (unlike zk-SNARKs). This makes them more transparent and quantum-resistant. The proofs are generated by a sequencer and submitted to Ethereum for verification.
Cairo, StarkNet's native programming language, is designed to generate efficient STARK proofs. While this means developers need to learn a new language (rather than using Solidity), Cairo enables optimizations not possible in EVM-based ZK-rollups. StarkNet's Shared Prover (SHARP) aggregates proofs from multiple applications for cost efficiency.
Cairo is StarkNet's native programming language, designed specifically for generating efficient STARK proofs. While developers need to learn a new language (rather than using Solidity), Cairo enables optimizations not possible in EVM-based systems. Cairo 1.0 introduced a Rust-like syntax for improved developer experience.
Both are ZK-rollups but use different approaches. StarkNet uses STARK proofs (transparent, quantum-resistant, no trusted setup) and the Cairo language, while zkSync uses zk-SNARKs and supports Solidity directly. StarkNet may offer better theoretical performance, while zkSync has easier Ethereum developer onboarding.
StarkNet is still in the process of decentralizing. Currently, the sequencer is operated by StarkWare, but plans for decentralized sequencing and proving are on the roadmap. The STRK token provides governance rights for the community.
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