Polygon Labs has made a groundbreaking stride in blockchain technology with the introduction of the “type 1 prover,” a tool designed to usher Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible chains into the realm of zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs.
This innovation aims to transform these chains into validiums, enhancing their efficiency and reducing operational costs by utilizing proof verification and settlement on the Ethereum mainnet.
A Leap Towards Zero-Knowledge Proofs
Slated for release within the year, the type 1 prover will be integrated into Polygon’s comprehensive software stack, marking a significant upgrade from the previous type 2 proving mechanism which was incompatible with EVM chains.
Brendan Farmer, Polygon’s co-founder, elucidated, “The type 1 prover enables the generation of zero-knowledge proofs for any EVM chain without the need for hard forks or modifications to existing clients.”
The Validium Transition
By leveraging this technology, Polygon Labs aims to convert a plethora of blockchain architectures, including side chains and optimistic roll-ups, into validiums.
Validiums are a variant of Layer 2 networks that utilize ZK proofs to store only the proofs on the Ethereum mainnet, with the actual transaction data kept off-chain, thereby offering a cost-efficient solution without compromising on security.
Flexibility for Projects
Farmer emphasized the flexibility the type 1 prover offers, allowing projects to either transition into validiums or fully adopt ZK-rollups depending on their strategic direction.
This decision-making autonomy underscores the adaptability of Polygon’s technology to meet diverse project needs.
Advantages of ZK-Based Networks
Adopting a ZK-based network, such as validiums or ZK-rollups, presents tangible benefits for Layer 2 projects.
Notably, it addresses the challenge of the seven-day withdrawal delay inherent in optimistic rollup solutions, a feature that has been a significant pain point due to the additional time and costs imposed on users.
Polygon’s AggLayer: Bridging Blockchains
The transition to ZK-based networks facilitates seamless connectivity through Polygon’s AggLayer, an interoperability protocol designed to unify liquidity and ensure consistent security across both modular and monolithic chains within the Polygon ecosystem.
Set to launch in February, AggLayer represents a critical component of the forthcoming Polygon 2.0 network, aggregating ZK proofs from all connected chains to streamline operations.
