April - June 2023

5 articles in this issue
Featured noname: ZK app developers should be able to see down to the constraints

Noname: ZK App Developers Should Be Able to See Down to the Constraints

Zero-knowledge apps are evolving, and we've been diving into their two main forms: VM instructions and arithmetic circuits. Understanding the "assembly" layer is crucial for developers, especially when optimizing and ensuring security. We’ve played around with a new toy language called **noname**, blending Golang and Rust vibes to make zkApps more understandable. With **noname**, you get detailed insights about how your code translates into gates, offering a clearer picture of the underlying "assembly" and helping pinpoint compiler bugs. If you're curious about enhancing your low-level programming skills or peeking into circuit construction, check out our experiments and see if this inspires you to create better debugging tools!

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wasmati: You should write your WebAssembly in TypeScript

Wasmati: You Should Write Your WebAssembly in TypeScript

If you're into WebAssembly (Wasm) and want to speed up your JavaScript, this blog post is for you! We talk about our journey with Wasm and how we created a TypeScript library called wasmati that lets you write Wasm at the instruction level. You'll get the inside scoop on how this can significantly improve performance, especially for cryptography work. Plus, we showcase a real-world example comparing Wasm and JS bigint performance, proving that Wasm can be over four times faster. Dive in to see how we've combined the flexibility of TypeScript with the power of Wasm for high-performance coding.

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Do in secret. Assert in public. Don't under-constrain your prover's witness computation in ZK programs

Do in Secret. Assert in Public. Don't Under-constrain Your Prover's Witness Computation in ZK Programs

Curious about diving into zero-knowledge (ZK) application development? Our blog post is here to guide you through the common security pitfalls and mindset shifts essential for tackling ZK programming. We reflect on our journey from the early days of Mina Protocol to the dynamic space today, filled with tools like SnarkyJS and newer approaches to split the prover and verifier roles effectively. Discover the errors to avoid, like under-constraining data and letting divisors slip through unchecked, and learn how a solid review and audit process can save your ZK applications from disastrous security issues. Dive in to get the insights you need to navigate the ZK landscape confidently!

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ZK programmability adds a whole new layer to worry about

ZK Programmability Adds a Whole New Layer to Worry About

Zero-knowledge (ZK) programs are revolutionizing how developers can build secure systems by proving execution without exposing data, making them incredibly useful for privacy and security. However, they come with their own set of challenges. In this blog, we delve into these security implications and offer practical strategies to help developers navigate the risks. From understanding private inputs to the intricacies of proof systems and trusted setups, we unpack the complexities and provide insights on how to address potential pitfalls, ensuring you're well-prepared to harness the power of ZK programs effectively.

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Private Delegated Computation Is Here, and There Will Be Bugs!

Dive into the intriguing world of zero-knowledge cryptography with us as we unravel its connection to trusted and confidential computing. Learn why this tech is making us rethink security like never before. From the evolution of private and delegated computing to the revolutionary power of zero-knowledge proofs, we'll explore how these advancements are shaping industries beyond cryptocurrencies. With big players like Microsoft jumping on board and the potential for new applications, zero-knowledge cryptography is poised to redefine digital trust. Join us on this journey as we launch our new security consultancy, designed to navigate and secure this cutting-edge landscape.

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Newer July - September 2023