Astar Network Launches zKatana Testnet: A Zero-Knowledge EVM Scaling Solution

Key takeaways

• zKatana is a zero-knowledge EVM scaling solution that reduces gas costs and increases throughput of transactions on Ethereum.
• zKatana is powered by Polygon CDK, a framework that provides high EVM equivalence, bridge functionality, a faucet service, and a block explorer.
• zKatana is part of the Astar Network ecosystem, a multi-chain smart contract platform that connects Polkadot and Ethereum ecosystems.

Astar Network has announced the launch of its public testnet for zKatana, its zero-knowledge EVM (zkEVM) scaling solution. zKatana is a comprehensive Ethereum Layer-2 solution that leverages cutting-edge zero-knowledge proofs to verify transactions, offering high security, scalability, and interoperability. The testnet launch is a significant milestone for Astar Network, as it expands its ecosystem and bridges the gap between Polkadot and Ethereum.

Astar price prediction 023, 2024, 2025–2030

? Astar zkEVM Testnet is now live!

We’re excited to announce that our Astar zkEVM testnet is live. In line with our Japanese roots, it’s called zKatana ⚔️

This launch is another significant stepping stone in our journey to offering the most holistic tech stack, empowering… pic.twitter.com/RZLWUSi1eQ

— Astar Network (@AstarNetwork) October 23, 2023

Astar Network Joins Forces with Polygon to Launch Its Layer 2 on Ethereum

What is zKatana and how does it work?

zKatana is a rollup that enables developers to run existing EVM smart contracts on Astar Network, a substrate-based blockchain that supports both EVM and WebAssembly (Wasm) environments. zKatana uses zero-knowledge proofs to compress and validate transactions off-chain, while posting only the proof on-chain. This reduces gas costs and increases the throughput of transactions, while maintaining compatibility with Ethereum tools and services.

zKatana is powered by Polygon Chain Developer Kit (CDK), a framework that allows developers to easily build and deploy scalable and secure blockchain applications. Polygon CDK provides zKatana with high EVM equivalence, bridge functionality, a faucet service, and a block explorer. zKatana also inherits the security of Ethereum, as it relies on the Ethereum mainnet as the data availability layer.

zKatana is designed to offer a seamless user experience for both developers and end-users. Developers can deploy their existing smart contracts on zKatana without any modifications, using familiar tools such as Truffle, Hardhat, or Remix. End-users can interact with zKatana applications using their preferred wallets, such as MetaMask or Trust Wallet, without having to change networks or acquire new tokens.

Why choose zKatana for scaling ethereum?

zKatana offers several advantages over other scaling solutions for Ethereum, such as:

• High security: zKatana uses zero-knowledge proofs to ensure the validity of transactions, without revealing any sensitive information. Zero-knowledge proofs are cryptographically sound and resistant to fraud or manipulation.
• High scalability: zKatana can process thousands of transactions per second, while reducing the gas fees to a fraction of what they are on the Ethereum mainnet. zKatana also supports parallel processing, which allows multiple smart contracts to run simultaneously without affecting each other’s performance.
• High interoperability: zKatana is compatible with existing EVM tools and chains, allowing developers and users to leverage the rich ecosystem of Ethereum. zKatana also enables cross-chain communication with other blockchains in the Polkadot network, such as Acala, Moonbeam, or Kusama.
• High flexibility: zKatana allows developers to choose the best technology for their needs, whether it is EVM or Wasm. zKatana also supports various programming languages, such as Solidity, Vyper, Rust, or C++.

How to join the zKatana testnet?

The zKatana testnet is open for anyone who wants to try out the features and functionalities of zKatana. Developers can start testing their smart contracts on zKatana by following the documentation guide.  Developers who are interested in exploring zKatana can connect with the Astar team by signing up here.

Conclusion

The zKatana testnet launch is an exciting development for Astar Network and the Ethereum community. It showcases the potential of zero-knowledge technology to scale Ethereum without compromising security or compatibility. It also demonstrates the vision of Astar Network to create a multi-chain hub that supports both EVM and Wasm environments and connects Polkadot and Ethereum ecosystems.