A-Z Guide to Mina Protocol - The World’s Lightest Blockchain : Introduction to Mina Protocol (Chapter 1)
Introduction
Today, the internet faces significant challenges, including misinformation and fragmented data systems, which are exacerbated by artificial intelligence and deep fakes. These issues contribute to a growing lack of trust, making it increasingly difficult for users to verify the information they encounter. Although blockchain technology has the potential to offer solutions, we often find ourselves relying on third parties for transaction verification due to the high costs of hardware and energy.
Mina Protocol stands out as the lightest blockchain, providing an innovative solution that directly addresses these challenges. By offering a collaborative “proof of everything,” Mina enables the creation of an internet filled with verifiable truths—where data is not only accessible but also respects user privacy. This unique approach fosters a more transparent and trustworthy digital environment, empowering users to engage confidently with online content and ensuring that the integrity of information is maintained.
What Factors Keep Mina's Blockchain So Lightweight?
Mina Protocol achieves its lightweight blockchain through the use of zero knowledge proofs, specifically zk-SNARKs (Zero Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge). These tiny cryptographic certificates allow the network to verify its state without revealing the actual contents of the blockchain. Here’s how zk-SNARKs contribute to the lightweight nature of Mina:
Constant-Sized Proofs: Unlike legacy blockchains such as Bitcoin or Dogecoin, which require the entire history of transactions to validate the current state, Mina replaces the entire blockchain with a constant-sized cryptographic proof. This means that participants can verify the network and transactions from their ordinary devices without needing to download extensive data.
Zero Knowledge Properties: zk-SNARKs enable the verification of transactions without disclosing any sensitive information. This is akin to playing a secure game of “Where’s Waldo?” where one can prove they know Waldo's location without revealing it. In the context of Mina, this means that the network can confirm the validity of transactions while keeping the details private.
Recursive Proofs: Mina utilizes recursive zk-SNARKs, which allow proofs to refer to themselves without increasing their size. This self-referential recursion is similar to a picture of a picture, enabling Mina to maintain a small blockchain size even as new blocks are added. Each new block extends the existing proof, ensuring that the blockchain remains lightweight.
Efficient Verification Process: Instead of re-validating the entire sequence of blocks every time a new block is created, Mina simply proves that there exists a valid proof for a sequence of blocks, including the new one. This approach saves time and energy, allowing for quick verification without the need for extensive computational resources.
Usable Representation: Mina’s definition of “blockchain” includes an unambiguous representation of the current state, which encompasses the necessary data for verifying account balances and broadcasting transactions. This focus on usability ensures that the blockchain remains efficient and accessible.
Minimal Data Requirements: A non-consensus node in Mina only needs to store a small amount of data, including the protocol state, account information, and a Merkle path. This minimal data requirement allows nodes to verify the entire blockchain and accounts in a trustless manner, similar to larger, more resource-intensive full nodes in other networks.
recursive proofs, and a focus on usability allows Mina Protocol to maintain a lightweight blockchain that is efficient, secure, and capable of operating on ordinary devices. This innovative approach not only enhances the scalability of the network but also opens up new possibilities for privacy and data security in blockchain applications.
Understanding zk-SNARK in Depth
Traditional blockchains like Bitcoin and Dogecoin encounter significant delays in verifying the entire chain because of their continuously expanding size. In contrast, Mina allows participants to completely verify the network and transactions using ordinary devices, thanks to the implementation of recursive zero knowledge proofs, specifically zk-SNARKs.
What is Zero Knowledge?
Zero knowledge proofs are a cryptographic method that allows one party (the prover) to demonstrate to another party (the verifier) that a statement is true without revealing any additional information about the statement itself. This concept can be likened to playing an ultra-secure game of “Where’s Waldo?” In this game, the prover must find Waldo among many characters without revealing his exact location to the verifier.
For instance, if the prover finds Waldo, they could simply point him out, but this would spoil the game for the verifier. Instead, the prover can use a large piece of paper to cover the book, cutting a small hole to reveal only Waldo. This way, the verifier can see that Waldo is there without knowing his exact context or surroundings, thus maintaining the integrity of the game. This method exemplifies a zero-knowledge proof, as it conveys the necessary information without leaking any additional details.
What are zk-SNARKs?
zk-SNARKs, or Zero Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge, are a specific type of zero knowledge proof that possesses several key properties:
Succinct: The proofs generated are small and can be verified quickly, even if the underlying statement is complex. This is crucial for efficient blockchain operations.
Non-Interactive: There is no need for back-and-forth communication between the prover and verifier. The prover can generate a proof that the verifier can check independently, similar to the construction paper example in the Waldo game.
Argument: This term refers to the formalism used to describe these proofs, acknowledging the complex cryptography involved.
Knowledge: The prover must possess the actual evidence or knowledge being claimed. In the Waldo example, the prover not only proves that Waldo exists but also knows his exact location.
All zk-SNARKs share these properties, ensuring they do not leak information, are easy to verify, and require no interactive communication. They serve as proofs of knowledge, confirming that the prover has the necessary information without revealing it.
First Step to the Mina Ecosystem: Setting Up Your Aurora Wallet
The Aurora Wallet is a useful tool designed for users engaging with the Mina Protocol. Available as both a browser extension and a mobile app, it offers a user-friendly experience across different platforms.
How to Set Up Aurora Wallet for Chrome Browser
Please add extension here : https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/auro-wallet/cnmamaachppnkjgnildpdmkaakejnhae
Please create your new Wallet :
Create your Password :
Setup your Mnemonic Phrase :
Running your Wallet :
Understanding Mina Token
The native currency of the Mina blockchain. MINA tokens are required to stake and produce blocks on the Mina blockchain. They’re also the exclusive currency of the Snarketplace, which is used by block producers and SNARK producers to buy and sell SNARK proofs. Each MINA token is divisible up to 9 decimal places.
The Initial Distribution of MINA was 805,385,694 tokens. This number includes all of the categories of token recipients in the distribution schedule, except for block rewards, which are minted anew by the protocol with each block after its launch.
Easy way to Staking MINA Token
Staking MINA offers a unique opportunity to earn rewards by participating in the network's security and operations. When you delegate your MINA to a validator (block producer), you contribute to the blockchain's consensus process, helping to validate transactions and maintain the integrity of the network. In return for your support, you receive staking rewards, which are a form of passive income generated from your investment in MINA. This system not only incentivizes users to hold and stake their tokens but also strengthens the overall Mina ecosystem.
Once you have set up your Aurora Wallet, you can easily delegate your MINA for staking. Here’s how to do it:
Open the Aurora Wallet: Launch the Aurora Wallet extension in your Chrome browser.
Navigate to Staking: Tap on the “Staking” option in the wallet interface.
Go to Staking: Click on “Go to Staking” to access the staking options.
Select a Block Producer: Browse through the list of available block producers (validators) and select one that you wish to delegate your MINA to.
Confirm Transaction Details: Review the transaction details, including the amount of MINA you wish to stake and the selected block producer. Once you are satisfied, confirm the transaction.
