Matter Labs, the main developer of the Ethereum Layer 2 solution zkSync Era, has introduced a new proof system called Boojum.
zkSync Introduces Era Protocol New Update Boojum
Boojum is a STARK-powered proof system that can be run on consumer-grade GPU hardware and offers superior performance compared to previous systems.
The proof system developed by zkSync is based on a Rust-based cryptographic library and powers the upgraded Zero Knowledge (ZK) circuits of the zkSync Era and ZK Stack.
Previously, zkSync Era was based on a proof system that used a type of zero-knowledge proof called SNARK, enabling the Layer 2 sequencer to process more than 100 transactions per second (TPS).
The team hopes to achieve significantly higher yields with Boojum using STARKs.
Boojum's notable feature is its compatibility with consumer-grade GPUs that only require 16GB of GPU RAM.
This accessibility allows users with normal hardware to contribute, encouraging wider participation in the network.
The Boojum upgrade is currently live on the zkSync Era mainnet in an experimental phase. During this testing period, actual production data is used to create and validate “shadow evidence”.
This process aims to fine-tune the system, detect potential problems and mitigate risks before full migration takes place.
*Not investment advice.