Web3 Academy Masterclass: Zero Knowledge Proofs Essentials

Master Zero Knowledge Proofs: Learn SNARKs, STARKs, Polynomial Commitments, and PLONK Protocols for Cryptography and Blo

What you'll learn

Explain Zero Knowledge Proofs and their properties: Learn key concepts like completeness, soundness, and zero knowledge in cryptographic systems.

Construct arithmetic circuits: Design arithmetic circuits with wires and gates to model computations for Zero Knowledge Proofs.

Apply polynomial commitment schemes: Use KZG commitments to securely commit to and evaluate polynomials in cryptographic protocols.

Differentiate SNARKs and STARKs: Understand trust setups, efficiency, and security to choose the right cryptographic proof system.

Implement the PLONK protocol: Create and verify Zero Knowledge Proofs using elliptic curve pairings and polynomial commitments.

Design real-world cryptographic proofs: Apply Zero Knowledge Proofs to blockchain, voting, and decentralized identity systems.

Requirements

Familiarity with fundamental cryptographic concepts such as hashes, public/private keys, and digital signatures.

Knowledge of basic algebra, modular arithmetic, and logarithms; familiarity with finite fields and polynomial equations is helpful but not mandatory.

Basic programming experience in any language is beneficial for understanding practical applications of cryptographic proofs.

A general curiosity about blockchain technology and cryptographic protocols will enhance the learning experience.

Description

Step into the cutting-edge world of Zero Knowledge Proofs, a revolutionary cryptographic technology that powers privacy and scalability in modern blockchain systems. This course is designed to guide learners through the theoretical foundations and applications of Zero Knowledge Proofs, making it ideal for blockchain developers, cryptography enthusiasts, and Web3 entrepreneurs.Starting with the basics, you’ll explore the core principles of Zero Knowledge Proofs, including completeness, soundness, and zero knowledge. You’ll learn how these properties create cryptographic systems that allow the secure verification of knowledge without revealing the knowledge itself. Dive deeper into the building blocks of Zero Knowledge Proofs, such as arithmetic circuits, polynomial commitments, and elliptic curves.The course also provides an in-depth exploration of advanced technologies like SNARKs (Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge) and STARKs (Scalable Transparent Arguments of Knowledge). You’ll understand their unique properties, use cases, and the role of trusted setups and elliptic curve pairings in their construction. The PLONK protocol is another highlight, showing how it achieves efficiency and scalability through polynomial commitments.By the end of this course, you’ll have a solid understanding of Zero Knowledge Proofs, enabling you to appreciate their applications in privacy-preserving technologies, anonymous transactions, and decentralized identity systems. Embark on this journey and deepen your expertise in one of the most transformative fields of cryptography!

Overview

Section 1: Introduction to Zero Knowledge Proofs

Lecture 1 Welcome

Lecture 2 Zero Knowledge Proof

Lecture 3 Illustrative Examples

Lecture 4 Applications of ZKPs

Lecture 5 Prover-Verifier

Lecture 6 Types of ZKPs

Section 2: Discrete Logarithm Problem

Lecture 7 Cyclic Group Z*p

Lecture 8 Discrete Logarithm Problem in Z*p

Section 3: Elliptic Curves

Lecture 9 Elliptic curves as cryptographic groups

Lecture 10 The group law: the chord-and-tangent rule

Lecture 11 Add and Double algorithm

Lecture 12 Elliptic curve pairings

Section 4: ZK SNARKs & ZK STARKs

Lecture 13 Introduction to SNARKs

Lecture 14 Introduction to STARKs

Lecture 15 Building zk SNARKs & zk STARKs

Section 5: ZK SNARKs

Lecture 16 Arithmetization

Lecture 17 Arithmetic Circuits

Lecture 18 Arithmetization in PLONK

Lecture 19 Trusted Setups

Lecture 20 Argument System

Lecture 21 Non-Interactive Preprocessing Argument System

Lecture 22 Commitments

Lecture 23 KZG

Lecture 24 PLONK

Blockchain Developers and Cryptography Enthusiasts: Individuals who are already working in blockchain or cryptographic fields and want to deepen their knowledge of Zero Knowledge Proofs.,Mathematics and Computer Science Students: Learners with a strong interest in cryptography, finite fields, and elliptic curves, looking to expand their theoretical and practical understanding.,Professionals Seeking Privacy Solutions: Engineers, developers, or architects working on privacy-focused technologies, such as anonymous transactions or decentralized identity systems.,Web3 Developers and Entrepreneurs: Those building applications in the Web3 space, seeking to implement scalable and secure cryptographic protocols like SNARKs and STARKs.