Built on top of Ethereum, Starknet is a Validity-Rollup (also known as ZK-Rollup) Layer 2 network that allows decentralized apps to grow enormously without sacrificing security.
By combining transactions together with an off-chain computed STARK proof, it accomplishes this. After that, this proof is sent to Ethereum as a single transaction, which keeps the strong security of the Ethereum settlement mechanism intact while yielding substantially better throughput, quicker processing times, and much cheaper costs.
The Scaling of Starknet
The three main goals of Ethereum blockchains are scalability, decentralization, and security. A well-known trilemma in the blockchain community is that only two of these may be accomplished simultaneously in a given system, necessitating a compromise on the third. Ethereum’s scalability is impacted by its higher priority on security and decentralization. The increasing quantity of Ethereum users results in high gas prices and sluggish transaction speeds, which impede Ethereum’s broad acceptance.
How can Ethereum be made more scalable without compromising its decentralization and security? The Starknet Validity Rollup is useful in this situation. Significant scalability can be achieved by combining Ethereum and Starknet.
By moving transaction processing off the Ethereum Mainnet, or “off-chain,” Starknet is able to scale while keeping an on-chain record of all transactions. Batches of transactions are assembled into blocks, handled off-chain, and then condensed into a single on-chain transaction. Ensuring the integrity of transactions and executing them without requiring re-execution is crucial because they happen off-chain. In order to solve this, it uses STARK (Scalable, Transparent ARgument of Knowledge) justifications for computation that can be verified. Subsequently, Starknet sends only the necessary details about the transaction and proof of it to Ethereum, which is computationally confirmed.
Concerning the Starknet wallet MetaMask
A MetaMask Snap serves as MetaMask’s means of supporting Starknet. A plugin in MetaMask is called a Snap. I wanted to give it a try because it’s in beta. A dedicated section for setting up and financing a MetaMask wallet may be found below.
Since MetaMask is still in beta and can only transmit and receive L2 payments, I’m eager to utilize it as a full-blown Starknet wallet for other Starknet activities like minting NFTs. However, further functions are in the works.