Vitalik publishes GKR tutorial article: The "Batch × Layer" protocol powering ultra-fast ZK proofs

ChainCatcher reported that Vitalik Buterin has published a new article detailing how the GKR (Goldreich–Kahan–Rothblum) protocol is used to accelerate ZK proofs, adapting to a "batch × multi-layer" computational structure, significantly reducing intermediate layer commitments and committing only to inputs and outputs.

The article uses Poseidon2 hash as an example to explain in detail the recursive proof process centered on sumcheck, and provides optimizations (Gruen’s trick, linear batching, and only cubing the first element in some rounds). In polynomial commitment scenarios, it can be combined with BaseFold or FRI. The author states that the actual overhead is about 100 times lower than the theoretical value of traditional STARK, making single-digit level overhead achievable, and reminds that Fiat–Shamir challenges need to guard against predictability risks within the circuit.