The Starknet Foundation Introduces Optimizations to Lower Transaction Fees on Ethereum’s Layer 2 Network
The Starknet Foundation is implementing optimizations that will coincide with Ethereum’s Dencun upgrade, with the goal of significantly reducing transaction fees on the Layer 2 network. These optimizations include the release of Starknet’s version 0.13.1, which will leverage EIP-4844 after Dencun is deployed on the mainnet.
By transitioning from the costlier “calldata” method to the more cost-efficient “blobs” transaction type, Starknet’s update will provide a direct path to reducing fees. These blob transactions, also known as EIP-4844 or proto-danksharding, are set to go live on the Ethereum mainnet when the Dencun upgrade is activated at epoch 269568 tomorrow at 13:55 UTC.
The introduction of blobs as an additive feature on the network will enhance data availability without impacting the existing Ethereum infrastructure. This will result in cheaper transactions across Layer 2 rollups like Starknet.
“More than users on any other L2, they are expected to see Dencun directly cut fees. This is because Starknet fees have the highest proportion of Data Availability costs, where the savings are being made. But this is just the start,” said Diego Oliva, CEO of the Starknet Foundation.
Optimizing the Prover
In addition to integrating EIP-4844, the Starknet Foundation has plans to enhance its shared prover (SHARP) infrastructure. STARK technology scales by generating a single proof for each block of transactions. Instead of sending each block’s proof individually to Ethereum, SHARP aggregates multiple proofs and packs them together in batches called “trains.”
As part of this optimization effort, the size of these trains will gradually increase, allowing for a greater number of Starknet transactions to be jointly verified on Ethereum. This improvement aims to enhance scalability and efficiency.
Benefits of the Optimizations
The optimizations introduced by the Starknet Foundation have several benefits:
- Reduced Transaction Fees: The transition to blob transactions and the improvements in SHARP infrastructure will lead to lower transaction fees on the Layer 2 network, particularly on Starknet. Users can expect significant cost savings when conducting transactions.
- Improved Data Availability: The addition of blobs as an additive feature will enhance data availability without affecting the existing Ethereum infrastructure. This ensures that users can access and verify transaction data more efficiently.
- Scalability: The optimization efforts, including the increased size of trains, will improve scalability on the Layer 2 network. This means that more transactions can be processed simultaneously, resulting in faster and more efficient processing times.
The Future of Starknet
The optimizations introduced by the Starknet Foundation are just the beginning. The foundation has plans to further enhance the capabilities of Starknet in the future. Some potential areas of development include:
- Enhanced Privacy: Starknet aims to improve privacy features by implementing techniques such as zero-knowledge proofs. These measures will provide users with increased privacy and security when conducting transactions.
- Interoperability: Starknet plans to explore interoperability with other Layer 2 networks and protocols. This will allow for seamless transfers and interactions between different blockchain ecosystems, expanding the possibilities for decentralized applications.
- Developer Tools and Support: The Starknet Foundation is committed to providing comprehensive developer tools and support to facilitate the creation of decentralized applications on the Starknet network. This will encourage innovation and adoption within the developer community.
Hot Take: Lower Transaction Fees and Improved Scalability with Starknet’s Optimizations
The optimizations introduced by the Starknet Foundation, including the transition to blob transactions and the improvements in SHARP infrastructure, are set to have a significant impact on the Layer 2 network. Users can expect lower transaction fees, improved data availability, and enhanced scalability. As Starknet continues to evolve, with plans for enhanced privacy, interoperability, and developer support, it is poised to become a prominent player in the blockchain ecosystem. These optimizations mark an important step forward in making decentralized applications more accessible and efficient for users.