Starknet
Starknet is a Layer 2 validity rollup using STARK cryptography to scale Ethereum and enable complex decentralized applications with high security and scalability.
Overview
Starknet is a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum that leverages STARK (Scalable Transparent Argument of Knowledge) cryptography to provide computational integrity and scalability. It functions as a validity rollup, validating transactions off-chain with advanced cryptographic proofs and then submitting succinct proofs on-chain. This approach enables Starknet to overcome Ethereum’s throughput limitations while preserving its security and decentralization. Developers benefit from a platform that supports complex decentralized applications (dApps) with near-unlimited scalability and low transaction costs.
A key feature of Starknet is its native support for account abstraction, allowing all accounts to be smart contract-based. This flexibility lets developers customize account behavior beyond protocol-level constraints, improving user experience and security. Starknet’s native smart contract language, Cairo, empowers developers to write highly expressive and efficient contracts tailored to their application logic. The ecosystem includes extensive developer resources, tutorials, and tooling to facilitate onboarding and innovation.
Starknet is also pioneering interoperability by becoming the first Layer 2 to settle on Bitcoin, enabling Bitcoin to serve as an execution layer and unlocking new DeFi and asset possibilities on Bitcoin through trust-minimized bridges and integrations. The ecosystem supports a wide range of applications including DeFi protocols, NFT platforms, and DAO tooling. With a rapidly growing developer community and partnerships such as Lombard Protocol for Bitcoin staking, Starknet is positioned as a leading Layer 2 solution for scalable, secure, and flexible blockchain applications. Developers can get started quickly using the open-source SDKs, comprehensive documentation, and active community support.
The Problem
Ethereum’s base layer faces scalability challenges that limit transaction throughput and increase costs, hindering the development of complex decentralized applications. Additionally, Bitcoin lacks a native execution layer for smart contracts, restricting its programmability and DeFi potential.
The Solution
Key Features
Unlimited Scalability
Handles high transaction volumes by validating proofs off-chain and submitting succinct proofs on-chain.
Developer Ecosystem
Comprehensive docs, tutorials, SDKs, and community support for rapid dApp development.
Trust-Minimized Bridges
Secure interoperability with Bitcoin and Ethereum networks.
Key Strengths
How Developers Use Starknet
Building scalable DeFi protocols
Developers use Starknet to deploy high-throughput, low-cost decentralized finance applications that require complex logic and fast finality.
Creating NFT marketplaces and gaming dApps
NFT platform developers leverage Starknet’s scalability and account abstraction to build user-friendly marketplaces and blockchain games.
Enabling Bitcoin smart contracts and DeFi
Projects integrate Bitcoin as an execution layer via Starknet, unlocking new asset types and DeFi capabilities on Bitcoin.
Power your next build
Discover trusted tools and services in the QuickNode Marketplace. Everything you need to launch faster and scale smarter.
Starknet Alternatives
Explore web3 competitors and apps like Starknet.
Fuse
Fuse is a public blockchain ecosystem designed for low-cost, scalable Web3 payments and business adoption with a focus on mobile-first and real-world use cases.
Ormi 0xgraph
Mantle Network is an Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain leveraging zero-knowledge proofs and modular architecture to enhance capital efficiency and scalability.
Hemi
Hemi is a modular Layer-2 protocol that integrates Bitcoin and Ethereum to enable superior scaling, security, and interoperability.
Polygon zkEVM
Polygon zkEVM is the first zero knowledge rollup scaling solution fully equivalent to the Ethereum Virtual Machine, enabling seamless Ethereum smart contract compatibility with lower costs and higher throughput.
Mantle
Mantle Network is an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution using an EVM-compatible optimistic rollup with modular architecture for improved scalability and lower costs.
Lisk
Layer 2 blockchain built for founders in high-growth markets, based on the Superchain architecture.
Cyber
An Ethereum Layer 2 network focused on onchain social primitives, AI integration, and decentralized governance.
ZKsync
ZKsync is a network of interoperable ZK Rollup chains providing scalable, privacy-preserving, and compliant blockchain infrastructure secured by cryptography.
Rollux
Optimism is an open-source Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum designed to increase throughput and reduce transaction costs while maintaining security.
Pricing
Free | |
|---|---|
| Price (Monthly) | Free |
| Price (Annual) | Free |
| Messaging | N/A |
| Support | Community support via Discord and GitHub |
| Analytics |
Resources
Starknet provides extensive resources including official documentation, developer tutorials, SDKs, and community forums to support developers building on the platform.