Taiko is a protocol that aims to be a purely Ethereum equivalent ZK-Rollup for scaling Ethereum while keeping its technical and fundamental principles. Aiming to be completely decentralized, this protocol uses zero-knowledge proofs to achieve high network speeds and scalability.
What is Taiko?
Taiko is a decentralized Layer 2 blockchain protocol using the Zero Knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (ZK-EVM). It is designed to be the most Ethereum equivalent and general purpose Zero Knowledge Rollup (ZK-Rollup).
Taiko’s main goal is to provide a scalable and efficient platform for developers and users of decentralized applications (dApps), allowing them to leverage the power of Ethereum Layer 1 (L1) without having to make any changes to their existing dApps.
Daniel Wang, CEO of Taiko, recorded the following statements about the protocol:
“The moment I realized that Ethereum needed a scaling solution that was as similar to the original platform as possible was when I thought about the long-term sustainability and growth of the ecosystem. I realized that compatibility and decentralization are crucial elements to ensure continued success. I firmly believe in “build once, deploy anywhere” as a guiding principle for the future of Ethereum.”
What is ZK Rollups?
ZK Rollups scales computation by executing, aggregating and proving off-chain transactions, relying on Ethereum for data availability and proof-of-validity verification.
The major disadvantage of ZK Rollups currently in production is that they cannot fully support generalized computation of EVM, instead they are mostly application specific. This breaks compatibility with existing Ethereum L1 smart contracts and dApps, and further makes it difficult to create new ones that offer the same kind of composable, immersive experiences.
High Speed and Scalability with ZK Rollups
Taiko uses ZK-Rollup technology to increase trading volume and reduce fees. ZK aggregations use cryptographic proofs to verify transactions, making them more efficient and secure compared to traditional optimistic Rollups.
Along with the higher speed, ZK Rollups allows Taiko to scale better, keeping the state of all L2 transfers with minimal data, simplifying block verification and data transfer to L1. This means Taiko can accommodate an increasing number of users and transactions, making it an attractive option for developers and users looking for a scalable blockchain.
How Does Taiko Work?
The Taiko protocol is completely open source. It primarily uses the permissive MIT license, except for the minimally modified fork of geth, which retains the original GPL license. The project includes protocol smart contracts, L2 node software and ZK-EVM circuits, all of which are open to unlimited participation.
The main difference between MIT and GPL licenses is the level of restriction on developers. MIT allows more freedom by requiring only the copyright and permission notice to be retained, while the GPL imposes stricter rules such as converting the entire project under the GPL license.
Taiko has chosen the MIT license to prioritize compatibility and simplicity, making it easier for others to use their codebase and increasing collaboration opportunities. While the GPL may provide additional user protection, Taiko values inclusivity and accessibility, strives to maintain transparency and ensure user freedom.
