Journal of Agricultural Big Data ›› 2024, Vol. 6 ›› Issue (2): 205-219.doi: 10.19788/j.issn.2096-6369.200002

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An Overview of Zero-Knowledge Proof Technology and Its Typical Algorithms and Tools

WAN Wei1,2(), LIU JianWei1,2, LONG Chun1,2,*(), LI Jing1, YANG Fan1, FU YuHao1, YUAN ZiMeng1,2   

  1. 1. Computer Network Information Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083, China
    2. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
  • Received:2024-01-30 Accepted:2024-04-14 Online:2024-06-26 Published:2024-07-03
  • Contact: LONG Chun

Abstract:

In the context of the increasing importance of data security and privacy protection, Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) have provided a powerful tool for protecting privacy. This article comprehensively discusses the technology of zero-knowledge proofs and their application in modern cryptography. First, the article introduces the basic concepts of zero-knowledge proofs, as well as different types of ZKPs such as Snarks and Starks, along with their technical characteristics and application scenarios. In particular, the article conducts an in-depth study of ZK-Snarks. At the same time, the article also discusses other proof mechanisms such as ZK-Stark and Bulletproofs, comparing their differences in design and performance. Then, it focuses on the application of ZKPs in the blockchain environment and analyzes the related tools for writing zero-knowledge proofs. Finally, it points out some potential problems and future research directions in the field of zero-knowledge proofs.

Key words: zero-knowledge proof, privacy protection, blockchain applications