What is StarkNet / StarkEx

StarkNet and StarkEx are two distinct products from StarkWare — a company specialising in STARK-based zero-knowledge cryptography for scaling Ethereum. Both use ZK-STARKs (Zero-Knowledge Scalable Transparent Arguments of Knowledge) to enable high-throughput, low-cost transactions that inherit Ethereum's security guarantees. ZK-STARKS VS ZK-SNARKS Most ZK-rollups use ZK-SNARKs (zkSync, Polygon zkEVM, Scroll). StarkWare's innovation is ZK-STARKs: Transparent setup — no trusted setup ceremony required, making STARKs trustless from inception. Post-quantum secure — relies on hash functions rather than elliptic curve cryptography vulnerable to quantum computers. Larger proof sizes than SNARKs but faster prover performance at scale. STARKEX: THE ENTERPRISE PRODUCT StarkEx is a customisable Layer 2 engine provided as a service for specific applications — not a general-purpose chain. Notable integrations: dYdX v3 (perpetual futures — processed $1T+ cumulative volume), Immutable X (NFT marketplace, zero gas fees), Sorare (fantasy football NFTs). StarkEx can process 9,000+ TPS for its specific use case. STARKNET: THE PERMISSIONLESS CHAIN StarkNet is a permissionless, decentralised Layer 2 on Ethereum hosting any smart contract. Uses Cairo programming language — purpose-built for STARK proof generation. Supports account abstraction natively (smart contract wallets by default). STRK token: Used for transaction fees alongside ETH, and for governance. Airdropped to early users in 2024. KEY STARKNET ECOSYSTEM Major DeFi protocols: Ekubo (AMM), zkLend and Nostra (lending). NFT marketplaces and gaming applications. Starknet ID for on-chain identity. Fees significantly lower than Ethereum mainnet.

Terms in addition to the StarkNet / StarkEx

Blockchain

A blockchain is a subset of a distributed database. The Bitcoin inventors originally prototyped the system in 2008. This modern database is made up of separate blocks that are connected together in a chronological chain. Blockchains may be used to store a wide range of data types. It has mostly been utilized as a public ledger for bitcoin transactions to date. A peer-to-peer network comprised of independent nodes uses a consensus process to ensure the blockchain's security and legitimacy. Each node in the network keeps a public and immutable copy of the data.

2 Factor Authentication (2FA)

2 Factor Authentication is a security measure with two layers. It is used by the majority of cryptocurrency exchanges. To log in, you must provide not only a password, but also a code obtained, for example, from the Google authenticator.

Airdrop

An airdrop is a method of distributing coins. End users can typically obtain coins for free or in exchange for doing a small task, such as subscribing to a newsletter, sending a tweet, or inviting others via a personal affiliate link. Cryptocurrency airdrops — the act of depositing cryptocurrency into public crypto wallets — are utilized as a marketing, liquidity creation, and network bootstrapping technique for many different types of blockchain initiatives.

Altcoin

Altcoin - "alternative coin" - is any kind of digital currency other than Bitcoin. Since the launch of Bitcoin, the world's first digital currency, many altcoins (as well as supporting blockchains) have been created. Altcoin digital currencies share many similarities to Bitcoin, but consistently and have significant differences. There are about 20,000 altcoins, and this number is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Altcoins often develop Bitcoin features. Ethereum, currently the most widely used blockchain, supports digital contracts and separate applications where Bitcoin does not. Altcoins are also often created to cater to the needs of different users. The Litecoin blockchain, for example, can process payments quarterly for the duration of Bitcoin.

Cold Storage

Cold storage is the way to store cryptocurrency offline. The word refers to the use of offline wallets that are not connected to the internet. Cold storage is the most secure way to keep cryptocurrencies since an offline currency becomes less likely to be hacked and stolen. Paper wallets, printed renditions of private keys, and offline hardware and software wallets are all examples of cold storage.