Running Core's real consensus code inside a zkVM

This execution within a RISC0 zkVM allows for the generation of mainnet consensus valid block STARK proofs without the need to reimplement the consensus rules. Key components such as interpreter.cpp, SignatureHash, CheckTransaction, arith_uint256, merkle and retargeting code, and libsecp256k1 are all included in this verification process.

A live demonstration of this technology can be accessed at bitcoinghost.org/hazync, where users can view or contribute to the ongoing proof validations of Bitcoin’s history starting from the genesis block. For those interested in verifying proofs directly on their devices, a browser-based page is available at bitcoinghost.org/hazync/verify/ which facilitates proof checks without the need for any installations. The underlying code for these processes has been made available at GitHub.

This approach circumvents traditional challenges associated with new node synchronizations that require re-execution of approximately seventeen years of blocks, consuming significant data and computational resources. By leveraging validity proofs that are properly implemented, each block from genesis to the current can be verified cumulatively, reducing redundancy and expediting the synchronization process. This is achieved without the necessity for soft forks, new opcodes, permissions, or tokens, adhering strictly to an MIT licensing model.

Furthermore, this method addresses potential vulnerabilities and inefficiencies present in previous attempts by avoiding assumptions about consensus based on individual interpretations. Instead, it uses the actual Bitcoin Core as a reference client, ensuring that every consensus rule is matched precisely without deviations. The engineering challenge lies primarily in executing Core's C++ codebase within the zkVM environment, which has been detailed extensively in the provided documentation and code repositories.

Such advancements not only streamline the node synchronization and validation processes but also open up new possibilities for lightweight clients and cross-chain verifications, potentially enhancing overall network efficiency and interoperability within the blockchain ecosystem.