Proofs of execution generated by Miden VM are based on STARKs. A STARK is a novel proof-of-computation scheme that allows you to create an efficiently verifiable proof that a computation was executed correctly. The scheme was developed by Eli Ben-Sasson, Michael Riabzev et al. at Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. STARKs do not require an initial trusted setup, and rely on very few cryptographic assumptions.
Here are some resources to learn more about STARKs:
- STARKs paper: Scalable, transparent, and post-quantum secure computational integrity
- STARKs vs. SNARKs: A Cambrian Explosion of Crypto Proofs
Vitalik Buterin's blog series on zk-STARKs:
- STARKs, part 1: Proofs with Polynomials
- STARKs, part 2: Thank Goodness it's FRI-day
- STARKs, part 3: Into the Weeds
Alan Szepieniec's STARK tutorials:
StarkWare's STARK Math blog series:
- STARK Math: The Journey Begins
- Arithmetization I
- Arithmetization II
- Low Degree Testing
- A Framework for Efficient STARKs
StarkWare's STARK tutorial: