# Starknet Ethereum Scaling Tech By [Web3 World ](https://paragraph.com/@web3-world-2) ยท 2023-03-16 --- StarkNet is a Layer 2 scaling solution that is being developed by the blockchain research and development firm, StarkWare, and is designed to help scale Ethereum. StarkNet provides a framework for building decentralized applications (dApps) that can perform complex computations off-chain, while still maintaining the security and trustlessness of the Ethereum mainnet. StarkNet is built on top of Ethereum, but it is not a sidechain or a plasma solution. Instead, it uses a combination of zero-knowledge proofs and off-chain computation to allow developers to build dApps that can scale to handle thousands of transactions per second. This is achieved by moving most of the computational load off the Ethereum mainnet, while still maintaining the security guarantees provided by the Ethereum network. StarkNet has the potential to greatly increase the scalability of Ethereum by allowing developers to build dApps that can handle a large number of transactions without congesting the mainnet. This is important because the high gas fees and slow transaction times on the Ethereum network have become major pain points for developers and users alike. One of the key advantages of StarkNet is its flexibility. Developers can build custom smart contracts and dApps on top of StarkNet using popular programming languages like Solidity, and they can use a variety of off-chain computation frameworks to optimize their dApps for specific use cases. Another advantage of StarkNet is its security. Because StarkNet uses zero-knowledge proofs to ensure the validity of off-chain computations, it is much more resistant to attacks than traditional off-chain solutions like sidechains or plasma. This means that dApps built on StarkNet can be trusted to handle large amounts of value without the risk of security breaches. In conclusion, the StarkNet ecosystem has the potential to greatly enhance the scalability and security of the Ethereum network, and it is poised to become a key player in the future of decentralized applications. With its flexibility, security, and ability to handle complex computations off-chain, StarkNet is well positioned to help Ethereum scale to meet the needs of a growing ecosystem of developers and users. --- *Originally published on [Web3 World ](https://paragraph.com/@web3-world-2/starknet-ethereum-scaling-tech)*