ZK Developer

Quiz

Questions: 6

ZK Developer

Fundamentals of Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs)
1. Introduction
An illuminating primer to Zero-Knowledge Fundamentals: An Introduction - This lesson serves as your guide to the "ZK Fundies" course, detailing its structure, target audience, and what you'll need to begin. Discover the key takeaways and the compelling value of understanding Zero-Knowledge Proofs. Duration: 4min
2. Meet The Instructor
An introductory handshake to Meet Your Instructor: Ciara Nightingale - Virtually meet Ciara Nightingale, your guide for this course, discovering her online channels, significant work on Cyfrin Updraft's curriculum, and her Physics credentials. Understand her approach to making complex cryptographic concepts accessible for your Web3 learning journey. Duration: 1min
3. Course Navigation
An indispensable tour of Your ZK Resource Compass - Master the "Zero-Knowledge Fundamentals" GitHub repository, your central point for course content, by understanding the pivotal `README.md` file for navigation. This lesson also highlights support channels like AI tools and forums to maximize your learning experience. Duration: 2min
4. ZKP Overview
A lucid exposition to Unveiling the Power of Zero-Knowledge Proofs - Grasp the core concept of Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs): proving you know something without revealing what it is, using clear examples and definitions. Discover the three vital properties—Completeness, Soundness, and Zero-Knowledge—and their transformative use cases in blockchain privacy and scaling via ZK-Rollups. Duration: 4min
5. Quiz Quiz
Questions: 6
6. Interactive Vs Non-Interactive
A clarifying breakdown to Interactive vs. Non-Interactive Zero-Knowledge Proofs - This lesson dissects the two primary categories of ZKPs: interactive, requiring prover-verifier dialogue, and non-interactive (NIZKs), offering single, universally verifiable proofs. Discover their distinct mechanics via analogies, key NIZK types (SNARKs, STARKs), and their pivotal roles in blockchain privacy and scalability. Duration: 5min
7. ZK Terminology
An essential lexicon to Decoding ZKP: Essential Terms - This lesson demystifies fundamental Zero-Knowledge Proof vocabulary, defining concepts like claims, private and public inputs, constraints, and circuits. Gain clarity on the witness, prover, and verifier to build a solid ZKP foundation. Duration: 7min
8. Quiz 2 Quiz
Questions: 10
9. Trusted Setup
A pivotal introduction to Unlocking ZK-SNARKs: The Trusted Setup Explained - This lesson explores the critical "trusted setup" ceremony in ZK-SNARKs, from secret generation to creating public parameters and the vital need to destroy "toxic waste." Discover Multi-Party Computation (MPC), Common Reference Strings (CRS), and how systems like Groth16 and PLONK use these setups. Duration: 7min
10. Proof Of Computation
An insightful breakdown to Unpacking ZKPs: Knowledge vs. Computation - Distinguish between Zero-Knowledge Proof of Knowledge (ZKPoK) and Proof of Computation (ZKPoC), clarifying why the latter is often key in practical applications. See how proving a computation's correctness inherently confirms knowledge of the secret inputs used. Duration: 2min
11. Quiz 3 Quiz
Questions: 10
12. ZKP Requirements
A critical exposition to The ZKP Triad: Completeness, Soundness, and Zero-Knowledge - Delve into Completeness, Soundness, and Zero-Knowledge, the three foundational properties that underpin the security and integrity of any ZKP system. This lesson explains each concept, illustrates with examples and common bugs, and touches on tools for building compliant ZKPs. Duration: 2min
13. ZK In Practice
A methodical breakdown to Deconstructing ZKP Implementation: An Overview - This lesson systematically unpacks ZKP creation, detailing front-end problem definition with circuits and DSLs, and back-end cryptographic proof generation and verification. Learn the end-to-end workflow, from arithmetization to witness usage, and the tools that make ZKPs practical. Duration: 4min
14. Example ZK Projects
A revealing exploration to Understanding Zero-Knowledge Proofs and Their General Applications - Explore the diverse real-world power of ZKPs, from private authentication and identity verification to their fundamental impact on blockchain scalability and privacy. Discover specific mechanisms like ZK Rollups and private transactions, alongside emerging uses in ZK-KYC and secure Web2-to-Web3 data bridges. Duration: 6min
15. Summary
A conclusive review to Recap: Mastering the Fundamentals of Zero-Knowledge - Solidify your understanding of Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) as this lesson revisits core definitions, interactive vs. non-interactive types, and essential ZK terminology. Key requirements for ZKP validity and their practical applications are also thoroughly recapped. Duration: 1min
16. Quiz 4 Quiz
Questions: 11

Course Overview

About the course

What you'll learn

Fundamentals of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs)

Interactive vs non-interactive ZKPs

ZKP requirements

ZK Terminology

How ZKPs work in practice

Course Description

Who is this course for?

  • Solutions Architects
  • Beginner ZK Engineers
  • Web3 Developers
  • Finance Professionals
  • Sales Professionals

Potential Careers

Smart Contract Auditor

$100,000 - $200,000 (avg. salary)

Blockchain Financial Analyst

$100,000 - $150,000 (avg. salary)

DeFi Developer

$75,000 - $200,000 (avg. salary)

Smart Contract Engineer

$100,000 - $150,000 (avg. salary)

Web3 developer

$60,000 - $150,000 (avg. salary)

Web3 Developer Relations

$85,000 - $125,000 (avg. salary)

Meet your instructors

Ciara Nightingale

Ciara Nightingale

Developer relations at Cyfrin

Last updated on June 10, 2025