Why ZK is the Endgame? Let's explore through the perspective of @gevulot_network [ and yes. The Gevulot Devnet is now live! ]

Appreciate to : @teemupai @NorbertVadas @HeslinKim @niluokay @Henrixbor

Gevulot : A Layer 1 Blockchain for Decentralized ZK Proof Systems

In this thread, we'll start with a broad overview of ZK provers and then delve into decentralized ZK prover solutions and Gevulot. The thread is structured into four main sections:

- A Very Brief Intro to ZK
- Centralized Proving Infrastructure
- Decentralized Proving Infrastructure
- Gevulot

We'll begin by explaining the challenges found in centralized proving infrastructures, which will lead us to the attempts to decentralize them. Finally, we'll introduce Gevulot, an interesting decentralized prover solution, serving as a Layer 1 blockchain designed specifically for decentralized ZK proof systems.

1/
A Very Brief Intro to ZK

Zero-knowledge proofs involve two parties: a prover and a verifier. The prover's goal is to convince the verifier of the truth of a statement without revealing any information about the statement itself. Constructing a proof that verifies the correctness of the statement demands significant computational resources. However, the advantage of ZKP lies in the proofs being both succinct and efficient to verify, unlike directly calculating the statement itself.

2/
Zero knowledge is leveraged in blockchains for its succinctness, scalability, trust minimization, integrity, and privacy. For example:
- Zk-rollups use zero knowledge for scaling because validating a proof is more efficient than re-executing all state transitions.

- Recursive blockchains, like Mina Protocol, leverage zero-knowledge proofs for succinctness by recursively compressing the blockchain's state without compromising its integrity.

- ZK bridges enable cross-chain interactions in a trust-minimized way using ZK proofs.

- ZK proofs are used for privacy in projects like Zcash, Aztec, Aleo, Ironfish, etc.

3/
Centralized Proving Infrastructure

Let's focus on ZK rollups, well-known solutions that utilize zero-knowledge proofs. Generally, most ZK rollups rely on a centralized prover, depending on a single entity to manage the underlying ZK proving infrastructure. This centralized approach has several benefits:

- Easier maintenance, as a project can fully control the infrastructure.
- Lower complexity, eliminating the need to design a system or incentives for multiple provers.