# What is Ethereum zk-Rollups?

By [Cygen](https://paragraph.com/@cygen) · 2022-12-04

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Ethereum zk-rollups is a layer-two scaling solution for the [#Ethereum](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ethereum?src=hashtag_click) blockchain. It allows for faster and cheaper transactions by using a technique called zk-SNARKs (short for "Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge").

In simple terms, zk-SNARKs allow for transactions to be verified without having to include the entire transaction history on the blockchain.

This makes it possible to process a large number of transactions off-chain, which reduces congestion on the Ethereum network and allows for faster and cheaper transactions.

To use zk-rollups, users will first have to deposit their funds into a smart contract on the Ethereum mainchain. They can then send and receive transactions on the zk-rollup layer, and the smart contract will automatically record these transactions on the mainchain.

This allows users to take advantage of the faster and cheaper transaction speeds of the zk-rollup layer while still maintaining the security and decentralization of the Ethereum mainchain.

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*Originally published on [Cygen](https://paragraph.com/@cygen/what-is-ethereum-zk-rollups)*