To understand the core of Lagrange's zero-knowledge co-processor, one must first understand how its verifiable database works. This database acts like a 'translation' for blockchain data, transforming originally difficult-to-handle data structures into an efficient and provable format.
The basic idea is very simple.
Imagine that the original blockchain data is like a book written in classical Chinese; although the content is important, it is difficult to read. Lagrange's network acts like a sophisticated translator, translating this ancient book into modern vernacular, making it easier to understand and allowing for quick information retrieval. The key is that the original meaning cannot be changed during the translation, and it must be proven that the translation is accurate.
The specifics of the data transformation process
The system creates a new version of the storage structure for each block. The original storage tree (shown in red) is safe and reliable, but slow for querying. The new version (shown in blue) maintains exactly the same data content, but the structure has been optimized to support fast queries and distributed processing.
Most importantly, the system generates cryptographic proofs to ensure that the content of the new database is completely consistent with the original blockchain data. This achieves both efficiency and credibility.
Three-tier database architecture
To better handle different types of query needs, the verifiable database adopts a three-tier architecture design:
The block database is specifically designed to handle block-level information. It stores block headers, transaction data, receipts, and other content, and is particularly adept at handling time-related queries. For example, if you want to check all transactions within a certain time period or analyze the patterns of block production, this layer can quickly provide answers and offer cryptographic proofs that these blocks indeed exist and are in the correct order.
The state database is responsible for managing account states and contract information. Account balances, transaction counts, contract codes, and other data are stored here. If you want to query the historical state changes of a certain account or analyze the deployment status of a contract, the state database comes into play. It can track the entire process of state changes and provide corresponding validation proofs.
The storage database is the most complex layer, specifically designed to handle storage data within contracts. Various complex data structures such as variables, mappings, and arrays in smart contracts are managed here. Want to perform data analysis across contracts? Looking to query all pool information of a certain DeFi protocol? The storage database can handle it and can prove the correctness of the query results.
Why design it this way?
The benefits of layered design are obvious. Different types of queries have different characteristics, and a specially optimized database layer can provide better performance. Block-level queries usually involve time ranges, state queries focus on account changes, while storage queries require deep insights into contracts. Each layer is optimized for specific scenarios.
Moreover, this architecture also supports parallel processing. For example, if you need to perform a complex analysis involving multiple data layers, the system can query different levels simultaneously and then merge the results. This greatly improves processing efficiency.
The technical details may be complex, but the effects are very real.
Although the underlying technologies involve sophisticated concepts like Merkle Patricia Trees and zero-knowledge proof systems, what matters most to users is the actual effect: query speed has increased, costs have decreased, and security and credibility have not been compromised at all.
The cleverness of this architecture lies in its ability to significantly enhance data processing efficiency while maintaining the integrity and security of blockchain data. For developers, it's like jumping directly from the era of horse-drawn carriages to the era of high-speed trains—fast and stable.
Overall, the verifiable database architecture is the cornerstone of the entire zero-knowledge co-processor system. It addresses the fundamental issue of low query efficiency in blockchain data, providing a solid technical foundation for various innovative applications. Although it is complex to implement, the value it brings is tangible.