Layer 2 developer StarkWare, in collaboration with Cartridge, has unveiled a groundbreaking scaling framework called ZKThreads. Designed to enhance the scalability of decentralized applications (dapps) on Layer 2 Starknet, ZKThreads leverages execution sharding enabled by zero-knowledge proofs to achieve this goal.

This new framework is an extension of StarkWare's fractal scaling vision introduced in 2021. ZKThreads aims to expand Starknet's suite of fractal-scaling solutions, offering an alternative to the existing ZK coprocessors. Unlike these coprocessors, which often operate in isolation and cause fragmented liquidity and reduced interoperability among applications, ZKThreads seeks to mitigate these issues by providing a standardized development environment that supports provable applications.

The core innovation of ZKThreads lies in its execution sharding capability. This approach efficiently handles different segments of network transactions or computations while maintaining security through zero-knowledge proofs. By distributing the computational and transactional load, ZKThreads ensures that blockchain dapps can scale effectively without compromising the decentralization or security of the network.

In addition to Layer 3 chains, which support fully customizable control for scaling dapps, ZKThreads offers a more flexible scaling solution. This ensures liveness at every step by allowing for a direct fallback onto the base layer, thereby enhancing composability, security, and interoperability for ecosystem dapps.

“ZKThreads open the door to executing directly on Starknet when needed, ensuring liveness at every step and leaner design for dapps,” said Louis Guthmann, head of product strategy at StarkWare.

Initially, Starknet-based developer Cartridge will utilize ZKThreads to scale on-chain games. The development timeline for the launch of ZKThreads is approximately nine months, with implementation on the testnet expected prior to the full release.

ZKThreads' architecture comprises several essential components: a batcher, a prover, and various contracts that handle application logic and state changes on a network like Starknet. This setup aims to ensure that transactions are both accurate and usable across Starknet.

One of the notable features of ZKThreads is its ability to facilitate direct executions on Starknet when required. This is achieved by implementing application logic in the thread’s app contracts, which oversee the creation and modification of transactions and state changes. These transactions are then grouped into sub-blocks, enhancing processing times and optimizing resource utilization.

ZKThreads is anticipated to significantly scale high-performance dapps on Starknet, particularly session-based on-chain games like poker and chess. Players will only need to pay fees once the game concludes and the results are recorded on the public Starknet, making it economically viable to host a broader range of game genres entirely on the blockchain.

Furthermore, the framework is set to enhance decentralized applications, especially decentralized exchanges (DEXs) on Starknet. For example, DEXs could see a substantial reduction in operational costs, as ZKThreads will enable users to incur fees only at the point of cashing out, rather than on every trade.

The introduction of ZKThreads marks a significant advancement in the scalability and functionality of Layer 2 solutions, promising greater efficiency and enhanced user experiences for a wide range of decentralized applications.