# What is Starknet?

By [xesica](https://paragraph.com/@xesica) · 2024-10-14

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### **What is Starknet?**

Starknet is a **Layer 2 scaling solution** built using **ZK-Rollups technology**, ensuring scalability while maintaining Ethereum’s security. It allows developers to deploy decentralized applications (dApps) without operational limitations. Starknet smart contracts are written in **Cairo**, a custom programming language optimized for scaling, although it is not compatible with Ethereum’s Virtual Machine (EVM), posing a learning curve for developers.

Starknet was developed by **StarkWare Industries**, an Israel-based company also behind products like **StarkEx** and **StarkGate**. On **February 14, 2024**, Starknet announced an **airdrop of 700 million STRK tokens** (7% of the total supply) to over **1.2 million eligible wallets**.

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### **Technology Behind Starknet**

*   **Cairo Language:**  
    Cairo is used for building and scaling smart contracts and dApps on Starknet. Every application on Starknet must be written in Cairo, which encourages innovation but limits compatibility with EVM-based projects.
    
*   **zk-STARK Technology:**  
    Starknet leverages **Zero-Knowledge Scalable Transparent Argument of Knowledge (zk-STARK)** technology to generate proofs off-chain and verify them on-chain. This enhances scalability, privacy, and reduces transaction fees.
    
*   **Sequencer and Prover:**  
    The **Sequencer** handles transaction execution and block proposals, enabling more transactions per second than Ethereum. The **Prover** validates the blocks by generating proofs and submitting them to Ethereum for verification.
    

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### **Key Features of Starknet**

*   **Scalability:**  
    Starknet improves transaction throughput while preserving Ethereum’s security by validating off-chain proofs on-chain.
    
*   **Developer Support:**  
    Developers can build and deploy their projects using **Starknet contracts**, making it easier to create new applications and business models.
    
*   **Interoperability:**  
    Starknet facilitates cross-project collaboration within the Ethereum ecosystem by enabling efficient data exchange and interaction between different applications.
    

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### **Ecosystem and Performance**

*   **Total Value Locked (TVL):**  
    Starknet has a **TVL of $54 million**, relatively small compared to other Layer 2 solutions like Arbitrum, Optimism, and zkSync. Notable dApps on Starknet include **Nostra, Ekubo, zkLend, JediSwap, and mySwap**.
    
*   **Bridge Usage:**  
    More than **1.2 million users** have bridged assets to Starknet, with a total of **865,000 ETH** transferred.
    
*   **Active Users:**  
    User activity peaked in **March-April** and **August-October 2023**. However, following the announcement of the **airdrop snapshot in December 2023**, daily active users declined.
    

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### **STRK Airdrop Criteria**

The STRK airdrop targets several user categories, including:

*   **Early Starknet users:** At least five transactions across three different months and $100+ in transaction volume before November 15, 2023.
    
*   **Community members** from Starknet’s Early Community Program (ECMP).
    
*   **Developers** contributing to Starknet or Ethereum before November 15, 2023.
    
*   **StarkEx users:** At least eight transactions before June 1, 2022.
    
*   **EIP proposers** and ETH stakers active before the Merge on September 15, 2022.
    
*   **GitHub contributors** with at least three contributions to the top 5,000 repositories.
    

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### **Outlook and Ecosystem Growth**

While Starknet’s ecosystem includes bridges, DeFi, GameFi, and NFT platforms, most of these projects are still in their early stages and need time to mature. With its **airdrop and developer incentives**, Starknet aims to accelerate growth and solidify its position among Layer 2 solutions.

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*Originally published on [xesica](https://paragraph.com/@xesica/what-is-starknet)*