Algorand State Proofs - an Acceleration toward Full Decentralization
hive-167922·@kevinnag58·
0.000 HBDAlgorand State Proofs - an Acceleration toward Full Decentralization
 [Photo Source](https://www.business2community.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/blockchain-applications-900x428.png) Rotem Hemo, Director of Product Management and a member of the founding team at Algorand, in a September 7, 2022 blog described Algorand State Proofs as follows: > State Proofs are lightweight, cryptographically provable, portable proofs of Algorand state that let dApps on other blockchains trustlessly verify Algorand transactions. State Proofs make it easier to develop cross-chain products such as direct bridges, and reduce the needed trust in existing bridging networks. State Proofs also make it safer to use these cross-chain services. In addition, State proofs are post-quantum secure, making Algorand the first extensive L1 network that protects its history, even from quantum computers. [Hemo, R. [Interoperability, Speed, and On Chain Randomness](https://medium.com/algorand/interoperability-speed-and-on-chain-randomness-fb8ec9a53cde). (Accessed September 25, 2022)]. .png) .png) [Photo Source](https://twitter.com/Algorand/status/1567506190514491393) "The introduction of State Proofs allows Algorand to securely connect to different blockchain networks without using an intermediary. Cross-chain interoperability and connectivity have mainly been powered by cross-chain bridges and validator networks, which have been subject to high-level exploits in recent times" [Jenkinson, G. [Algorand upgrade boosts speed, adds trustless cross-chain communication](https://cointelegraph.com/news/algorand-upgrade-boosts-speed-adds-trustless-cross-chain-communication). (Accessed September 25, 2022)]. > 2021 was an exciting year for the blockchain industry, with a 1,200% growth in the Total Value Locked (TVL) in global DeFi smart contracts, the rise of NFTs, and a diversification across many Layer-1 chains. The promise of a thriving, decentralized blockchain ecosystem is nearly here — yet, most dApps are constrained by the very platform they are built upon. >- Blockchain communities are looking for reliable ways to use their favorite dApps without paying expensive gas fees, dealing with network outages, or trusting intermediaries with their valued assets. >- Developers want to build on fast and inexpensive blockchains like Algorand, and want immediate access to an expanded user base and liquidity scattered across several ecosystems. Investors seek exciting opportunities on multiple platforms without switching chains or turning to more centralized alternatives. > -People want to send basic transactions across blockchains in a trustless manner. >- Developers, creators, and investors are looking for interoperability solutions that break them out of their walled gardens. > > ASPs remove these boundaries and open the doors to cross-chain applications and liquidity. [Grossman, N. [Algorand State Proofs: Powering Blockchain Interoperability and Post-Quantum Security](https://www.algorand.com/resources/blog/powering-blockchain-interoperability-and-post-quantum). (Accessed September 25, 2022)]. Companies facing the forgoing interoperability problems resorted to building 'bridges' to transmit assets and data cross-chain. These bridges are currently holding $32 billion in assets effectively creating a centralized attack surface painted with a bulleye, which unfortunately we are presently experiencing. > Algorand State Proofs [...] connects Algorand to the broader world. ASPs are an immutable chain of proofs that attest to the state of the Algorand blockchain. They let anyone track Algorand transactions, balances, and application data in low-power environments like a phone, smartwatch, and even inside a blockchain smart contract, without compromising on security — each ASP is produced by the same decentralized network that reaches consensus on new blocks. Due to their lightweight, portable nature, ASPs can be used to update Algorand light clients in other ecosystems. To lower costs in fee-constrained environments like Ethereum, Algorand will also produce even more compact zk-SNARK proofs that can be used to keep light clients up to date. Applications like bridges, oracles, and wallets can query these light clients to cryptographically verify Algorand state in a simple, trustless manner. [Id]. "Paul Riegle, chief product officer at Algorand, highlighted the upgrade as a significant step in facilitating the growth of Web3 platforms running on its network: 'From State Proofs, which are a game-changing blockchain interoperability security feature, to increased TPS, we are unlocking the tools required for Web3 applications to fulfill their vast potential." [Jenkinson, supra]. For an in-depth look at how State Proofs are generated, see: [Algorand Developer Portal. [Algorand State Proofs Overview](https://developer.algorand.org/docs/get-details/stateproofs/). (Accessed September 25, 2022)].  [Photo Source](https://developer.algorand.org/docs/imgs/block_interval_commitment.png) For a technical explanation of the cryptography behind State Proofs, see: [Compact Certificates of Collective Knowledge](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbk74npcs-g). (Accessed September 25, 2022)]. For instructions on building an Algorand light client with state proofs, see: [Algorand Developer Portal. [How To Build An Algorand Light Client - With State Proofs](https://developer.algorand.org/docs/get-details/stateproofs/light_client/). (Accessed September 25, 2022)].  [Photo Source](https://developer.algorand.org/docs/imgs/block_interval_commitment_arch.png)  [Photo Source](https://developer.algorand.org/docs/imgs/light_client_arch.png) ***About Algorand*** Founded by Turing Award–winning cryptographer Silvio Micali, Algorand's high–performing Layer-1 blockchain is unparalleled for bringing fast, frictionless, and inclusive technologies to everyone. Algorand is reshaping every industry–from TradFi and DeFi to new creator economies and beyond. With an extraordinary commitment to interoperability and consistent delivery, its sustainable technology powers more participation, transparency, and efficiency for all. As the technology of choice for 2000+ global organizations, the Algorand ecosystem is transforming the next generation of financial products, protocols and exchange of value. For more information, visit [www.algorand.com](https://www.algorand.com/). [Algorand. [Algorand Protocol Upgrade Introduces State Proofs for Trustless Cross Chain Communication and 5x Faster Performance](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/algorand-protocol-upgrade-introduces-state-proofs-for-trustless-cross-chain-communication-and-5x-faster-performance-301619219.html). (Accessed September 25, 2022)]. Posted Using [LeoFinance <sup>Beta</sup>](https://leofinance.io/@kevinnag58/algorand-state-proofs-an-acceleration-toward-full-decentralization)