What is a zk rollup?

Welcome to the cryptohunt jam where we spend one minute a day to explain crypto. In plain english.

Today we’re going to talk about zk rollups, which several blockchains use to solve the problems of slow speeds during heavy usage.

So, what is zk or zero-knowledge? Let’s start with an analogy first.

Let’s say that you’re sending applications to multiple universities. Each requires a unique essay for each university.

You’re running close to the application deadline, so you quickly seal each envelope and rush out the door to get to the mailbox.

And then it hits you, did you put the correct essay for each college in the right envelope?

You don’t have time to double-check, but what if you could verify that each essay is in the correct envelope without opening it?

And that is what a zk-rollup, or zero-knowledge rollup, can do on a blockchain. It packages up a large amount of transactions into a verifiable envelope.

This one “envelope” makes it possible for that large group of transactions to be added all at once on a blockchain, like Ethereum.

That reduction in the amount of pending transactions frees up space for other transactions, saves money since less transactions need to be validated and this also leads to faster transaction times, even when a network is slammed with activity.

And what about those application envelopes? We are sorry but there is no other way than just opening each one to check if you made things right.

Disclaimer: This podcast references our opinion and is for information purposes only. It is not intended to be investment advice. Do your own research and seek a duly licensed professional for investment advice.