Core Functionalities

Explore the Core Functionalities of the VIA Protocol.

The key functionalities that define the core of the VIA Protocol are as follows

Block Generation Process

Block generation is a critical component of the Via Network architecture, encompassing the creation and publication of blocks across both the Bitcoin (L1) and Via (L2) networks. The process involves the following key stages:

1. Transaction Aggregation The Sequencer collects transactions from the L2 network and aggregates them into multiple new L2 blocks. During this process, the Sequencer executes the transactions within the EraVM, ensuring state transitions are correctly applied.

2. Batch Construction Once several L2 blocks are formed, the Sequencer constructs a corresponding L1 batch. This batch includes a summary of L2 transaction state changes and the necessary metadata to support later verification and validation steps.

3. Data Availability The L1 batch pubdata is then published to the Data Availability (DA) layer. This ensures that transaction data remains accessible for a defined period and can be verified by any participant in the network. The DA layer is fundamental for maintaining transparency, auditability, and system integrity.

4. Bitcoin Inscription An optimized block header, summarizing the L1 batch, is inscribed on the Bitcoin blockchain. This step establishes a secure, decentralized reference point, serving both as a commitment to the new L1 batch and a trigger for subsequent processes such as proof generation.

Proof Generation

ZK proof generation ensures the validity of all transactions contained within an L1 batch. The process consists of the following key steps:

1. Prover Notification Once the L1 batch is committed to Bitcoin and its transaction is confirmed, the Proof Data Handler initiate the proof generation process.

2. Data Retrieval The data required for proof generation is passed from the Sequencer’s database to the Prover through the Prover Gateway API. This data includes state changes, batch metadata, and other relevant details necessary for witness generation.

3. Witness & Proof Generation Using the retrieved data, the Prover constructs a Zero-Knowledge SNARK proof that attests to the correctness of the transactions and state transitions within the L1 batch.

4. Proof Inscription The resulting proof is inscribed on the Bitcoin blockchain in an optimized and compressed format. This inscription provides a tamper-proof, decentralized record of the proof, leveraging Bitcoin’s security and transparency.

Proof Verification

Proof verification ensures the integrity and validity of the proofs inscribed on the Bitcoin blockchain, confirming that they accurately represent the corresponding L1 batch. For more details on how the verification process works, check out the verifier Network

Block Finality

Block finality ensures that all transactions and state changes within an L1 batch are recognized as final and irreversible. This process leverages Bitcoin’s decentralized infrastructure for attestation and consensus.

1. Consensus Mechanism At the interpretation layer of the Via system involving the Sequencer, Verifiers, and Block Explorer an L1 batch is considered final when a majority of Verifiers attest to the validity of its proof.

2. Finality Determination Once the required number of valid attestations is reached, the L1 batch achieves finality. From that point, all transactions and state changes within the batch are deemed permanent and irreversible.