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What is Succinct (PROVE)?
Succinct (PROVE), in its simplest form, is a method for creating a short and verifiable proof that a computation has been performed correctly. This concept is primarily used in the fields of cryptography and blockchain technology to attest to the reliability of complex transactions or calculations without placing an unnecessary burden on the network.
The two key words that form the name clarify the essence of this technology:
- Succinct: The size of the proof generated is independent of the complexity of the computation being proven. This means that whether it’s a simple addition or the execution of thousands of lines of code, the proof’s size always remains very small. This “succinct” nature allows for proofs to be shared and verified quickly and efficiently.
- PROVE (Proof): This is a mathematical guarantee of the correctness of a piece of information or a transaction. Thanks to this proof, there’s no need to re-examine the entire transaction from start to finish to confirm its validity. Verifying the small proof itself is sufficient.
By combining these two features, Succinct (PROVE) plays a vital role, especially in decentralised systems like blockchains.
The Relationship with the Concept of Zero-Knowledge
The term PROVE is often mentioned in conjunction with Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs). ZKPs enable the validity of information to be proven without revealing the information itself. In other words, a prover can demonstrate that a transaction was carried out, but without disclosing any confidential data within that transaction (for example, a password or an account balance) to the verifier.
Succinct (PROVE) is a subset of these zero-knowledge proofs. These types of proofs combine the privacy benefits of zero-knowledge with the efficiency benefits of being “succinct.”
Why Is It So Crucial in Blockchains?
Blockchains are decentralised systems that require every transaction to be verified by all participants in the network. While this ensures reliability, it also leads to a major scalability problem. As the number of transactions on the network increases, verification processes slow down and transaction fees rise.
Succinct (PROVE) offers an innovative solution to this problem:
- Batch Transaction Verification: With Succinct (PROVE), thousands of transactions can be bundled together to create a single proof. This one proof demonstrates that all the transactions were performed correctly. Instead of verifying each transaction individually, network participants only need to verify this small proof. This significantly increases the network’s transaction capacity.
- Reduction of Network Load: Because the proof is small, the amount of data sent to the network is also drastically reduced. This allows the network to operate faster and consume fewer resources.
- Preservation of Privacy: Specifically, ZKP-based Succinct (PROVE) systems allow transaction details to remain confidential. For example, when one person sends cryptocurrency to another, the validity of the transaction is proven, but details such as the identities of the sender and recipient, or the amount sent, might not be revealed on the network.
An Example: Zcash and zk-SNARKs
One of the most well-known applications of Succinct (PROVE) technology is the cryptocurrency Zcash. Zcash uses a specific type of zero-knowledge proof called zk-SNARKs, which are a powerful example of Succinct (PROVE) technology.
- zk (Zero-Knowledge): Zero-Knowledge.
- S (Succinct): Succinct.
- N (Non-interactive): Non-interactive. The verification of the proof does not require constant communication between the prover and the verifier.
- A (Argument): Argument.
- R (of Knowledge): of Knowledge.
- K (of Completeness): of Completeness.
zk-SNARKs prove the validity of a transaction without disclosing its details. This allows Zcash users to conduct anonymous and private transactions.
