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This article explores the uniqueness of Kakarot, how it provides the simplest and most future-proof architecture, and why Kakarot is essential for end-users and developers to answer this question.
**1. Introduction to Kakarot**
Kakarot is a zkEVM built using Cairo, a verifiable language that supports Starknet and all StarknetOS chains. Kakarot is a zkRollup compatible with Ethereum, aiming for complete equivalence over time. In addition to compatibility, Kakarot strives to drive more innovation in the L2 space and introduce new features for the EVM, such as native account abstraction. The driving spirit behind Kakarot is proof, expansion, and innovation.
**2. Vision of Kakarot**
Kakarot aims to address three key beliefs formed over years of Ethereum ecosystem development:
- Transaction-per-second (TPS) exceeding a certain threshold becomes less important; users desire a response level equivalent to web2 applications and fast web3 dApps, meaning sub-second transaction speed.
- Transaction costs are a major adoption obstacle; fees should ultimately be reduced to below one cent to allow experimentation and innovation freely.
- User experience is a significant barrier to mass adoption; Kakarot aims to greatly improve the current state of web3 user experience, providing alternatives for those who do not want to manage mnemonic phrases and seeking a one-click experience for most dApps.
Summarized, Kakarot promises low-cost, fast transactions while leading innovations in user-centered features.
**3. Kakarot Design: Inevitable Separation of Cryptography and Engineering**
Kakarot's architecture is seen as inevitable as it is built on first principles. The core of Kakarot is constructed using Cairo, a high-level language, making it the only zkEVM truly separating cryptography and engineering, corresponding to "zk" and "EVM" in zkEVM (excluding research-stage projects like zeth and SP1's Reth).
This separation means faster development, less code (much less than required for custom circuits), easier maintenance, and a showcase of all innovations in Cairo's verification and open-source software.
The idea of separation is not only elegant but also the only way to support future extensions. Supporting mainnet hard forks and innovating through the early integration of new EIPs has proven to be challenging for zkEVMs built with custom circuits.
Confident that Cairo will consistently offer superior performance, Kakarot's architecture, built on principles that merge proof concepts, sets it apart from other zkEVMs. Cairo is expected to be proven as the most practical and efficient tool for writing verifiable software in the coming years.
**4. Committed to User-Centricity**
While building simple and user-friendly software is good, end-users do not care about the backend details of applications. Kakarot's challenge is to translate its significant engineering advantages into added value for the community.
Kakarot aims to showcase its rapid adaptability to changes in the Ethereum landscape. The two apparent advantages offered to the community are:
- Immediate integration of Dencun mainnet hard forks into Kakarot zkEVM.
- Collaborative product roadmap, user testing, and iterative development.
Kakarot will provide a seamless development experience, ensuring compatibility with Ethereum's official EVM tests. This milestone will confirm complete compatibility and relieve developers from worries about EVM fragmentation.
As of now, Kakarot has passed over 90% of tests (over 18,000 tests) and is confidently moving into the testnet phase. The testing network will not be publicly disclosed for now.
**5. Latest Developments of Kakarot**
The latest development is entering the testnet phase in the second and third quarters of 2024. Kakarot's design, based on separating cryptography and engineering, positions it as a highly adaptive team, allowing for rapid product releases.
Kakarot's goal is 100% compatibility with the Ethereum mainnet. Confidence in the implementation of Kakarot's EVM is high, with over 90% compatibility achieved. The aim is to provide developers with assurance regarding compatibility and functionality.
Kakarot's mission is to bring more innovation to the L2 space while supporting long-term development. Utilizing Cairo, Kakarot is stable and can evolve rapidly, showcasing a sense of inevitability.
**6. Conclusion**
In conclusion, Kakarot's latest development includes plans to launch a testnet in the second and third quarters of 2024. Its unique advantage lies in its design philosophy of separating cryptography and engineering, making it a highly adaptable and rapidly evolving platform. Kakarot's goal is complete compatibility with the Ethereum mainnet, providing developers with confidence and assurance. The mission of Kakarot is to introduce more innovation to the L2 space and support long-term development. The article expresses confidence in Cairo's strength and hints at the collaboration between Starkware and Polygon Labs, introducing the Circle STARK prover as an example of Kakarot's competitive edge. |
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