zkEVM Technology Analysis and Comparison: Exploring the Future of Ethereum Scalability

zkEVM, as a Layer 2 network, enhances scalability by processing transactions and sending proofs back to Ethereum, utilizing zero-knowledge proofs and EVM compatibility, while maintaining security and decentralization. Different types of zkEVM have trade-offs between EVM compatibility and performance.

This article will compare and analyze several mainstream zkEVM solutions:

Polygon 2.0 (zkEVM Validium)

Polygon proposes to upgrade its PoS network to zkEVM validium, aiming to retain the advantages of the existing ecosystem while providing lower costs and higher throughput.

The advantages of Validium compared to Rollup:

• Lower fees, does not consume Ether Gas
• Higher scalability, not limited by Ethereum transaction data.

The Polygon ecosystem will simultaneously retain both zkEVM rollup and validium solutions, suitable for different scenarios:

• zkEVM rollup: suitable for high-value transactions, such as DeFi
• zkEVM validium: suitable for high transaction volume and low fee scenarios, such as gaming and social.

zkSync Era

zkSync Era is a type 4 zkEVM, aimed at improving proof generation speed through a custom virtual machine. Its features include:

• Supports multiple programming languages
• Powerful L1-L2 contract messaging system
• Native support for account abstraction

The zkPorter integration will be launched in the future, providing users with flexible options for security and fees.

Linea

Linea is a Type 3 zkEVM built by ConsenSys, aimed at providing near-perfect compatibility with Ethereum. Its features:

• Can directly execute unmodified Ethereum bytecode
• Do not use transducers or custom compilers
• Native integration with MetaMask and Truffle tools

Scroll zkEVM

Scroll is currently a Type 3 zkEVM and plans to gradually evolve to Type 2 and Type 1. Its long-term goal is to prioritize EVM compatibility and decentralization, rather than fast ZKP generation.

Taiko

Taiko aims to be a Type 1 native zkEVM, prioritizing decentralization and maximizing EVM compatibility from the very beginning.

Summary

Each zkEVM solution has its own advantages and challenges, but they all play an important role in promoting the expansion of Ethereum and the development of the Web3 ecosystem. With continuous technological advancements, we can expect to see more innovative solutions paving the way for large-scale applications of blockchain.