Mina, a blockchain that uses recursive zk-SNARK proofs, stands out due to its unique features. This design allows it to maintain a constant size of just 22 kilobytes, promoting efficient verification and minimal storage requirements. As a result, computations are pushed off-chain, and only the resulting proofs are stored on the Mina mainnet. This approach makes Mina decentralized from the start, a goal that Ethereum layer-2s are now striving for.

The Berkeley upgrade, which was launched on Tuesday, has been in development for three years. It introduces a programmability layer to Mina that was previously missing. Decentralization has always been the primary concern. "We always make decisions that cost performance in order to gain decentralization," said O1labs CEO Brandon Kase, who oversees the chain's development.

Mina's approach to distributed computation distributes tasks across multiple machines, each handling specific computation needs. This method supports the processing of large amounts of data and maintains privacy, as the raw data can also be kept off-chain. Privacy is incorporated at the higher application layers, unlike upcoming releases from Aleo and Aztec, which focus on privacy at the base layer.

The base layer of Mina is designed to be transparent, meaning that the core transactions and activities on the blockchain are visible and accessible to all participants. This transparency ensures openness and allows anyone to verify the validity of transactions and data on the network. A related approach, Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE), allows computations to be performed on encrypted data without needing to decrypt it first. This means that data remains encrypted throughout the entire computation process, and only the final result is revealed.

Mina's unique features and approach to decentralized computation make it an attractive option for those seeking a secure and private blockchain. The blockchain's focus on zero-knowledge and its ability to maintain a constant size of just 22 kilobytes make it an efficient and scalable option for a wide range of use cases. As the blockchain continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more innovative features and applications emerge.