The zero-knowledge proof-based Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution (ZK-Rollup) has always been highly anticipated in the Ethereum ecosystem. In theory, it can provide a balanced solution to the efficiency and security issues.

Vitalik has repeatedly expressed strong support for this technology in his articles and public speeches.

However, it is regrettable that the specific implementation is constrained by current engineering and technical limitations. Zero-knowledge proofs require a large amount of computing power and are difficult to complete complex calculations in a short time. This makes it difficult for it to compete with the Optimistic Rollup (OP) faction in applications, and the gap between the two is widening.

This gap is particularly evident in ecosystem development. According to the latest data on L2Beat (https://l2beat.com/scaling/tvl), the Total Value Locked (TVL) of the four ZK-based systems, Stark, zkSync, Loopring, and DeversiFi, combined, is less than the third-ranked OP-based Base (with Arbitrum and Optimism ranking first and second, respectively).

Nevertheless, capital's enthusiasm for ZK-based systems seems unabated. Recently, A16Z released its open-source platform ZKVM.

It is important to note that, unlike the commonly heard ZKEVM, ZKVM has one less letter, but its significance is significantly different. ZKEVM emphasizes compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine, while ZKVM is a more general-purpose virtual machine platform. In theory, ZKVM has a wider range of applications.

To my recollection, this is the first time A16Z has personally entered the development of the crypto track.

The actions of A16Z, Vitalik's arguments, and the technical advantages of ZK-based systems all remind us of the need to pay attention to the development of ZK-based Layer 2 scaling systems.

However, the current development of the leading ZK-based Layer 2 scaling systems is unsatisfactory, while the emerging star Metis has some practices that are worth paying attention to.

Metis is also an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution based on zero-knowledge proofs. However, unlike other "purebred" ZK-based extensions, it adopts a hybrid system, with some transactions processed in the OP manner and others in the ZK manner. This allows it to combine the advantages of both in terms of efficiency and performance.

However, to be realistic, due to current technological limitations, this advantage is not particularly evident at the moment.

In addition, its "self-revolution" approach in the sorter aspect is more noteworthy.

In Ethereum's Rollup Layer 2 scaling systems, whether OP-based or ZK-based, they share a common technical point: the need for a sorter to sort and package transactions for final confirmation on Ethereum.

Currently, the vast majority of Layer 2 scaling systems, for the sake of implementation convenience and efficiency, all use centralized sorters or simply rely on servers for processing.

This centralized processing is an open "secret" in the industry, and even Vitalik has openly criticized this issue. However, no matter how much criticism there is, project teams are "all talk and no action," saying they want to decentralize as soon as possible, but acting slowly.

Why?

Because centralized sorters are very much in the interest of the project teams.

But Metis has boldly started a "self-revolution," attempting to push for the decentralization of sorters and has taken substantive actions in this direction.

According to its plan, in the future, any user willing to stake Metis tokens can participate in the sorting operation of transactions in the Metis system, just like staking in Ethereum.

This approach can also solve many of the token empowerment issues in current Layer 2 scaling systems, allowing tokens to generate value.

More importantly, if the sorter of ZK-based systems achieves decentralized operation in the future, it may give rise to a new track: zero-knowledge proof "mining" based on hardware computing power.

In this "mining," each node in the Layer 2 scaling system will strive to quickly calculate the zero-knowledge proof results with the strongest computing power, which requires a stack of powerful GPUs.

So once this trend develops, it is very likely that a new mining track will emerge in Ethereum's Layer 2 scaling and even in all areas requiring zero-knowledge proof computation.

Of course, whether it can develop depends on whether the project teams value ecosystem development as much as they do technology. Otherwise, the future prospects are not optimistic.

However, these new trends that could change the ecosystem landscape are still worth the attention of investors.

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