# Starkware StarkNet By [Uday samanta](https://paragraph.com/@uday-samanta) · 2023-04-04 --- [Starkware](https://starkware.co/) is a project that has developed a protocol called StarkNet. StarkNet is a layer-2 scaling solution that aims to increase the efficiency and scalability of blockchains, particularly those that use smart contracts. One key feature of StarkNet is its use of STARKs, which are zero-knowledge proof systems that allow users to prove the correctness of a computation without revealing the underlying data. This allows for greater privacy and security on the network and the ability to perform complex computations without the need for a trusted third party. StarkNet also utilizes sharding, a technique that allows a blockchain to be split into multiple smaller chains, or “shards,” that can be processed in parallel. This allows for greater throughput and faster transaction times, as each shard can be processed independently of the others. One of the main goals of StarkNet is to enable the creation of decentralized finance (DeFi) applications on a mass scale. DeFi apps often rely on smart contracts and other complex computations, which can strain the underlying blockchain and limit its scalability. By using StarkNet, DeFi developers can create more efficient and scalable applications that can handle a larger volume of transactions. StarkNet has already been integrated with several popular blockchains, including Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, and Polkadot. This allows developers to build DeFi applications on top of these platforms using StarkNet without worrying about scalability issues. In addition to its focus on DeFi, StarkNet is also being used in various other applications, including supply chain management, voting systems, and even medical research. The versatility and scalability of the protocol make it an attractive choice for a wide range of use cases. Overall, Starkware’s StarkNet protocol represents a significant advancement in blockchain technology. Its use of STARKs and sharding allows for greater efficiency, privacy, and scalability, making it an ideal solution for various applications, particularly those in the DeFi space. --- *Originally published on [Uday samanta](https://paragraph.com/@uday-samanta/starkware-starknet)*