AleoBFT. Formal Specification and Security Analysis of a Hybrid Consensus
AleoBFT - hybrid consensus protocol combining DAG-based Narwhal and Bullshark with dynamic Proof-of-Stake committees and a novel Proof-of-Succinct-Work (PoSW) incentive. This article explores its formal design, security guarantees, instant finality, and how it outperforms protocols like Tendermint, HotStuff, and Ouroboros while enabling decentralized zk-SNARK proving at scale
Designing State in Aleo. Merkle-Tree Model for Records and Transaction Storage
Aleo’s innovative state model, which blends a UTXO-like record system with Merkle trees and zero-knowledge proofs for scalable, private smart contract execution. Each transaction in Aleo consumes and creates encrypted records, with their validity proven via SNARKs and Merkle membership proofs. The blockchain maintains a global Merkle root to ensure state integrity, enabling efficient verification and minimal on-chain data. Compared to Ethereum, Zcash, and Solana, Aleo offers a unique architecture that combines privacy, scalability, and verifiability — ideal for next-gen ZK applications.
Microarchitecture of snarkVM. Analyzing the Virtual Machine for Zero-Knowledge Computations
snarkVM is Aleo’s zero-knowledge virtual machine that runs Leo programs off-chain and generates zk-SNARKs to prove correctness—without revealing private data. It compiles code into R1CS circuits, enforces privacy via encrypted records, and integrates directly with Aleo’s ledger. Built in Rust, snarkVM enables powerful private apps like confidential finance and secure voting.
P3 - Precompiles in SP1. The Secret to Lightning-Fast Performance
SP1 supercharges zero-knowledge proofs using precompiles — optimized syscalls for heavy operations like hashing and elliptic curve math, making them up to 1000× faster. This article explains how SP1 uses ecall to tap into specialized circuits and why its modular design makes it one of the most efficient zkVMs today.
Elliptic Curves in Aleo. From BLS12-377 to Record Encoding
Aleo is a privacy-first layer-1 blockchain where general-purpose programs execute off-chain with zero-knowledge proofs, and only concise proofs and encrypted records are published on-chain. At its core is a dual-curve SNARK system: BLS12-377 for efficient pairing-based proofs and BW6-761 for recursive verification. Records use elliptic curve encryption over an Edwards form of BLS12-377, ensuring that data like addresses and balances remain private unless marked public. Transactions operate over a UTXO-like model with commitments and serial numbers to prevent double spends. Aleo programs are written in Leo, with privacy built into the type system and cryptography handled under the hood.
P2 - Under the Hood of SP1. How Your Rust Code Becomes a Proof
We saw SP1’s big picture - a “truth machine” for code, proving programs correct with blazing speed (up to 28× faster than some alternatives) and a healthy dose of engineering magic. But how does it actually work under the hood? That’s our mission in Part 2. In this article, we’ll trace the journey from writing Rust code to obtaining that final proof, step by step. Consider this a guided tour through SP1’s engine room!
Algebraic Proof Systems in Aleo. From Groth16 to Marlin.
Aleo uses two elliptic curves—BLS12-377 and BW6-761—to enable private, recursive zero-knowledge proofs. BLS12-377 is a pairing-friendly curve optimized for fast SNARK verification and used for proof generation. BW6-761 is a larger companion curve whose scalar field equals BLS12-377’s base field, enabling recursive proofs. An Edwards variant (Decaf377) is used for efficient in-circuit operations like encryption and hashing. This dual-curve system underpins Aleo’s private record model, allowing encrypted state updates with concise, verifiable proofs.
P1 - The architecture of SP1 [FULL OVERVIEW]
In this series, we’ll tour the ins and outs of SP1’s architecture – from how it runs your Rust code to how it conjures cryptographic proofs. By the end of Part 1, you’ll have a high-level grasp of what makes SP1 tick (and why it’s so darn cool). And yes, there’s a game demo invite waiting for you at the end. Let’s dive in!
Разоблачение LayerZero, почему Вас обманывают? Переосмысление дропов.
Статья была написана за два часа теплым летним вечером и в то же время отправилась пылиться на полку истории, но уже через полгода все изменилось и намечаются интересные события. Самое время залезть на верхнюю полку шкафа и закончить начатое. Именно по этой причине Вас ожидает две части и два разных мнения от одного человека. Все сказанное здесь является эмоциональным выплеском автора, который изначально приходил в крипту за технологиями, но в моменте осознал что все продажное уже продано. Или нет?
Анонос 3 Тестовой Сети Aleo
Мы рады объявить о запуске Aleo Testnet 3. С этим релизом мы в одном шаге от запуска нашей основной сети и реализации нашего видения экосистемы децентрализованных частных вычислений, представленного в нашем оригинальном исследовательском документе Zexe.