[General] zkSync Operators

[bxpana]

Environment

Testnet

Provide a brief description of the functionality you're trying to implement and the issue you are running into.

I am trying to understand, from the zkSync documentation, which operators participate in the transaction lifecycle on zkSync.

I have seen the following defined on the docs:

The sequencer: bundles and orders transactions sent from users
The Prover (boojum): creates the zk proofs
However, I do not understand:

How the proofs are sent to the L1?
How the transaction bundle is sent to the L1?
Are there any other operators involved in the Tx lifecycle?
I have seen while digging around in the source code, a validator system referred to. Is this the entity that submits the proofs and the TX bundles? If so, is this a centralized or decentralized network? What are their responsibilities?

Edit: I am also seeing "batcher" referred to in this Tx

Repo Link (Optional)

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[gleenai[bot]]

zkSync Transaction Lifecycle and Operators

In the zkSync ecosystem, the transaction lifecycle involves several key operators that ensure the smooth processing and finalization of transactions on the Layer 2 (L2) network. Here's a detailed explanation of the roles and processes involved:

Key Operators in zkSync

1. Sequencer:

   • Role: The Sequencer is responsible for collecting transactions from users, ordering them, and executing them using the zkEVM. It acts as the primary interface for users to interact with the zkSync network.
   • Functionality: It bundles transactions into blocks and batches. These batches are then executed on the zkEVM, which is similar to the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) but tailored for zkSync's zero-knowledge proof mechanisms.

2. Prover (Boojum):

   • Role: The Prover, specifically using the Boojum proof system, is tasked with creating zero-knowledge proofs for the transactions executed by the Sequencer.
   • Functionality: These proofs verify that the transactions have been executed correctly without revealing the underlying data, ensuring privacy and security.

How Transactions and Proofs are Sent to L1

• Transaction Bundle Submission to L1:

  • After the Sequencer processes and executes the transactions in a batch, the aggregated results (not the individual transaction data) are prepared for submission to the Ethereum mainnet (L1). This includes the state changes resulting from the transactions, known as the "state diff."

• Proof Submission to L1:

  • The proofs generated by the Prover are sent to the Ethereum mainnet alongside the transaction bundle. These proofs are verified by a smart contract on L1 to ensure their validity. If the verification is successful, the new state is considered final and secure.

Additional Operators

• Validator System:

  • In some contexts, the term "validator" might refer to entities that participate in additional verification or governance processes within the zkSync ecosystem. However, the primary responsibilities for transaction processing and proof generation are handled by the Sequencer and Prover, respectively.

• Batcher:

  • The term "batcher" might refer to the component or process involved in grouping transactions into batches before they are processed by the Sequencer. This is an integral part of managing transaction flow and optimizing the execution efficiency on L2.

Centralization vs. Decentralization

• The zkSync network operates in a semi-centralized manner during its initial phases, with plans to transition towards greater decentralization over time. The Sequencer, in particular, is a centrally operated component that requires trust in its operator to maintain liveness and integrity until the network achieves full decentralization.

Conclusion

In summary, the zkSync transaction lifecycle is primarily managed by the Sequencer and the Prover (Boojum), with the Sequencer handling transaction collection and execution, and the Prover generating necessary cryptographic proofs. These proofs, along with the transaction bundles, are then submitted to the Ethereum mainnet for final verification and state update. Other components like the "batcher" play supportive roles in optimizing the transaction processing workflow.

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[Banch1kk]

ZkSynk will sybill you bro

[Izuver99]

Any guesses how long it will take to building zksync?

[alexonelov]

thanks for information