# MINA - Mina Protocol

### 22kB Blockchain

* lightweight blockchain maintains a constant size of 22 kB regardless # of TXs processed
* the blockchain is represented with an easily verifiable cryptographic proof zk-SNARK
* zk-SNARKS proof represents the state of the whole chain rather than the latest block
* it doesn’t require each node to record complete record of historical TXs so to keep small size
* as the blockchain doesn’t increase in size over time, lower barrier to entry for validators

### **Simple Zero Knowledge Explanation**

1. Q: 1+1+1+1+1=? A: 5, put X=5
2. Q: 1+1+1+1+1+1=? A: 6
3. Q: X+1? A: 6

* MINA’s newly joined node download a proof (i.e. X) that had verified the blockchain
* proof+1 = zk-SNARK + new block
* new zk-SNARK = previous zk-SNARK + current block

### Block Generation

* rather than verifying data by running through the data, verifying data by looking at the proof
* rather than adding new blocks to ledger, a SNARK to record the new state of the blockchain
* **Verifiers**
  * everyone who uses Mina Protocol can be considered as a node, to verify transactions
* **Block producers**
  * stake MINA, be selected to validate TXs to be include in next block & win block rewards
  * use the current zk-SNARK to prove the validity of a blocks
  * bid the cheapest zk-SNARK from snark workers that includes the new block of TXs
* **Snark workers**
  * dedicate computing power to help compress network data & generate proofs of TXs
  * snark workers sell zk-SNARK and paid in MINA

### **SnApps**

* a new type of SNARK-powered decentralized applications developed by Mina
* built using zk-SNARKS (Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge)
* Snapps verify data trustlessly and privately from any website signed with an HTTPS signature
* this proof delivers enhanced security and privacy