StarkWare to Launch New Open-Source Zero Knowledge Prover, Stwo
Blockchain software firm StarkWare announced at ETHDenver that it is developing a new open-source zero knowledge prover called Stwo. This implementation of Circle STARKs aims to provide ultra-efficient proving, reducing latency and processing costs. The prover, called the “magic wand” of STARK technology, plays a crucial role in scaling Ethereum by generating proofs more efficiently. Collaborating with cryptographers at Polygon Labs, StarkWare’s Circle STARKs variant enables faster finalization on both Layer 1 and Layer 2 of the Ethereum blockchain.
Key Takeaways:
- StarkWare is developing an open-source zero knowledge prover called Stwo.
- Stwo is an implementation of Circle STARKs, providing ultra-efficient proving to reduce latency and processing costs.
- The prover plays a key role in scaling Ethereum by generating proofs more efficiently.
- Collaboration with Polygon Labs enables faster finalization on both Layer 1 and Layer 2 of the Ethereum blockchain.
StarkWare COO Oren Katz expressed excitement about the rapid development of this blazingly fast prover just a week after the announcement of the new Circle STARK protocol as a theoretical breakthrough. With Stwo being open-source from day one under the Apache 2.0 permissive free software license, it will bring new possibilities for scaling and be available to everyone.
Starknet Token Unlock Criticism
Last week, Starknet’s native token, STRK, began trading on centralized exchanges, and airdrop claims for token distribution were opened. However, there was criticism regarding the token’s distribution plan. The initial distribution involved 728 million STRK, accounting for 7.28% of the total supply. Some users raised concerns about core contributors and investors receiving over 1.3 billion STRK, or 13% of the total supply, less than two months after the token’s launch.
Following user feedback, StarkWare decided to change the release schedule and reduce the portion of tokens initially unlocked from 13% to 0.64%. The remaining tokens will be gradually unlocked on a monthly basis.
Key Takeaways:
- Starknet’s native token, STRK, began trading on centralized exchanges.
- Concerns were raised about the distribution plan, with core contributors and investors receiving a significant portion of tokens shortly after launch.
- StarkWare modified the release schedule based on user feedback, reducing the initial unlocked portion to 0.64% and implementing a gradual monthly unlock thereafter.
Conclusion: Stwo Prover and Token Distribution Adjustments
StarkWare’s development of the Stwo open-source zero knowledge prover brings new possibilities for scaling Ethereum by significantly improving efficiency in generating proofs. This implementation of Circle STARKs aims to reduce latency and processing costs, ultimately resulting in lower transaction fees. Additionally, collaboration with Polygon Labs enables faster finalization on both Layer 1 and Layer 2 of the Ethereum blockchain.
On the token distribution front, StarkWare faced criticism for its initial plan that disproportionately allocated tokens to core contributors and investors shortly after launch. However, following user feedback, StarkWare made adjustments to the release schedule, reducing the initial unlocked portion and implementing a more gradual monthly unlock thereafter. These adjustments aim to address concerns about fair distribution and ensure a more equitable allocation of STRK tokens.
With the launch of Stwo and the revised token distribution plan, StarkWare continues to make strides in advancing Ethereum’s scalability and fostering a more inclusive ecosystem.