Zero-Knowledge ROLLUPS (ZKRs)

As with rollups in general, the main function is to batch a significant number of off-chain transactions, compress them into a single data packet, and then submit both the data and an associated proof to Ethereum's L1. ZKRs stand out in how they achieve this. Unlike Optimistic Rollups that operate based on assumed validity, ZKRs are firmly rooted in providing cryptographic evidence for each batch. Each time a batch is sent to the Ethereum Mainnet, it's accompanied by a "validity proof," derived from cryptographic methods known as “SNARKs” or “STARKs.”

A ZK-proof is a marvel of modern cryptography. It allows one to confirm the possession of certain knowledge without revealing the specifics of that knowledge. By utilizing ZK proofs, mainnet nodes are spared from re-executing each transaction to confirm its accuracy, this significantly decreasing the computational load on the L1. Instead, they simply need to verify the attached proof.