The multi-proof design of OP Stack

Recently, there have been reports that a well-known L2 project has integrated multiple proof schemes after upgrading to a new version. This move not only enhances the security of the network but also leaves room for future technological innovation.

This L2 project adopts a modular blockchain design, enabling it to support a variety of proof schemes. Through this design, developers can quickly leverage various existing proof types while ensuring that the system can adapt to future innovations.

Before this, the design iteration of rollups mainly focused on creating a single proof and adapting the system to it. This approach limited the system's flexibility and adaptability to changing technologies. Therefore, the L2 market mainly revolves around discussions on optimistic proofs and validity proofs.

The new version's design has changed the situation. Modularity has become a key design principle for upgrades, building a system that can adapt to various proof types, providing developers with safer and more forward-looking proof solutions.

Integrating multiple proofs into the system brings many benefits, with security being the most significant. Having multiple proofs can prevent errors in a single proof from becoming fatal flaws. This is similar to how multiple implementations of L1 clients provide better overall security.

The modular design of this project has already led to the emergence of multiple L2 client implementations in the ecosystem, which is a first in the L2 space. They are expanding this concept to allow the system to include multiple proofs. This paves the way for adding zero-knowledge (ZK) validity proofs to the mainnet or other related chains and ensures compatibility with future developments.

In terms of technical implementation, the system has achieved modularity through standardized on-chain APIs and off-chain participants. This allows for the mixing and matching of dispute contracts, facilitating the exchange of proof schemes. The standardized on-chain APIs enable the dynamic addition of new proof schemes, and it is even possible to create schemes that require multiple proof schemes to operate the bridge.

Off-chain participants or bots communicate with the dispute contract. The system creates a maximum extractable value (MEV) opportunity to incentivize honest behavior and protect the system, while adhering to the principle that participation in dispute games should always be profitable to ensure their continued operation.

The support for this multi-proof aligns with the vision of a scalable network that does not compromise the ecosystem, applications, or interoperability. As the only L2 ecosystem designed for the simplicity of multiple clients and multi-proofs, this project is expected to lead the industry toward a safer, more adaptable, and more collaborative future.