The Future of Blockchain: Horizen’s New Proof Verification Network
Introduction
Horizen’s proof verification network is transforming the landscape of blockchain technology with its cost-effective solutions, facilitating rapid growth in Layer 2 adoption. The „New Horizen“ approach epitomizes efficiency in proof verification, building on the solid foundation of Zendoo to support EON in becoming a central hub for ZK projects. This detailed exploration will delve into Horizen’s journey, community-driven initiatives, the migration roadmap, and the technological advancements propelling EON 2.0 forward.
Evolution from Zendoo to New Horizen
Horizen’s journey from Zendoo to New Horizen marks a significant evolution in blockchain technology. New Horizen offers a super-efficient proof verification layer, serving as the bedrock for EON’s transformation into a premier hub for zero-knowledge (ZK) projects. This shift not only enhances Horizen’s infrastructure but also aligns with its vision of becoming a versatile and enduring platform for ZK applications.
Community-Driven Progress: ZenIP 42405
The Horizen community plays a pivotal role in steering the project’s direction. The ZenIP 42405 draft, which proposed directing the Horizen Foundation to request a migration proposal for $ZEN and EON, received overwhelming support. Following a community vote on Snapshot, the proposal passed with an astonishing 99.99% approval. This community endorsement underscores the collective commitment to advancing Horizen’s technological capabilities.
Next Steps: ZenIP 42406 and the Migration Roadmap
The approval of ZenIP 42405 sets the stage for the next phase: ZenIP 42406. This draft outlines the technical roadmap for migrating $ZEN and EON, inviting community feedback to refine the proposal. The primary goals include:
- Technical Roadmap: Horizen Labs will detail the migration path, incorporating community input to ensure a comprehensive plan.
- Rationale: Providing a clear vision for the migration, reassuring the community of a well-thought-out strategy.
- Technical Process and Deliverables: Outlining the purpose, benefits, estimated timeline, and cost of the migration.
The ZenIP 42406 Proposal
ZenIP 42406 is a strategic technical plan to transition $ZEN from the Horizen Mainchain and Horizen EON EVM to an advanced blockchain architecture. The initiative aims to improve blockchain performance, integrate the latest zero-knowledge proof systems, and enhance $ZEN’s utility. This proposal focuses solely on the technical aspects of the migration, excluding tokenomics and allocations, which will be addressed in a separate ZenIP.
Advancing Blockchain Technology with EON 2.0
EON 2.0 represents a significant upgrade from the current Horizen Mainchain and EON EVM, built on older technology stacks. The Horizen Mainchain, a fork of the Bitcoin C++ codebase, features a block time of 2.5 minutes, while EON’s Scala-based system offers an 18-second block time. EON 2.0 aims to overcome the limitations of these legacy systems, aligning with Horizen’s vision as a home for ZK applications and enhancing $ZEN’s utility.
The Benefits of EON 2.0
Fully Compatible EVM
EON 2.0 will be a fully compatible Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), enabling developers to seamlessly deploy Solidity smart contracts. The EVM compatibility ensures a smooth transition for existing applications, minimizing disruptions and enhancing developer experience.
Substrate Framework and zkVerify Integration
EON 2.0’s EVM will be built on the Substrate framework, allowing for tight integration with zkVerify. This integration provides direct access to zkVerify’s optimized proof verification pallets, offering zk app developers seamless access to new proving systems and cost-efficient proof verification. This synergy enhances the overall utility of ZK applications within the Horizen ecosystem.
Rust: The Backbone of Secure Development
Rust plays a crucial role in EON 2.0’s ecosystem, known for its robust memory safety features and performance efficiency. The Substrate framework, written in Rust, benefits from these attributes, ensuring secure and fast cryptographic operations. Developers can leverage Rust to create custom pre-compiled contracts, extending EVM functionality and bridging operations to Substrate-based pallets.
EON 2.0: Technological Framework and Emissions
The technological framework of EON 2.0 is designed to accommodate any emissions schedule for $ZEN, highlighting its robustness and flexibility. While ZenIP 42406 does not address tokenomics, emissions, or allocations, these topics will be covered in a separate proposal. The migration will maintain incentives and $ZEN emissions, ensuring continuity and adaptability.
Delegated Proof-of-Stake Model
Continuing the approach of EON 1.0, EON 2.0 will adopt a delegated proof-of-stake model. Users can delegate $ZEN to nodes, participate in the network, and receive rewards proportional to their staked amounts. This model fosters community engagement and network security.
Migration Path and Security Measures
The migration path to EON 2.0 emphasizes security and data integrity. State snapshots of both EON 1.0 and Horizen will be taken to ensure a seamless transition. A manual claim process for Mainchain $ZEN balances will further enhance security, requiring proof of ownership. EON 2.0’s use of Rust ensures reliable performance and safety, strengthening the overall security of the ecosystem.
Timeline and Cost
The migration is designed to be thorough and efficient, with an estimated timeline of approximately eight months and a projected development cost ranging from $1.5M to $2.5M. This comprehensive approach underscores Horizen’s commitment to high-quality software and smooth transitions.
Conclusion
Horizen’s transition to EON 2.0 represents a significant leap forward in blockchain technology. The community-driven initiatives, strategic technical plans, and robust security measures ensure a bright future for the Horizen ecosystem. EON 2.0’s fully compatible EVM, Substrate framework, zkVerify integration, and delegated proof-of-stake model pave the way for enhanced functionality, security, and scalability.
Recap: Key Takeaways
- EON 2.0: A fully compatible EVM, ensuring seamless deployment of existing Solidity smart contracts.
- Substrate Framework: Built on Rust, integrating tightly with zkVerify for cost-efficient verification of zk proofs.
- Community-Driven: ZenIP 42405 and 42406 demonstrate strong community involvement and support.
- Security and Integrity: Snapshot-based migration with manual claim processes and robust use of Rust.
- Timeline and Cost: Estimated eight months and $1.5M-$2.5M development cost, ensuring a thorough and efficient migration.
Looking Ahead
The Horizen Foundation, leveraging its relationship with Horizen Labs, is well-positioned to support this ambitious migration. The detailed roadmap, community engagement, and strategic technical advancements all contribute to a promising future for Horizen and its growing ecosystem.
By embracing cutting-edge technology and fostering community collaboration, Horizen continues to lead the way in blockchain innovation, setting a new standard for cost-effective, secure, and scalable solutions.