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Mina: A constant-size blockchain

This whitepaper introduces Mina Protocol (formerly Coda Protocol), a “succinct blockchain” designed to maintain a constant blockchain size regardless of the num

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Abstract

This whitepaper introduces Mina Protocol (formerly Coda Protocol), a “succinct blockchain” designed to maintain a constant blockchain size regardless of the number of transactions or the history it contains. The core innovation lies in its continuous and recursive application of Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge (ZK-SNARKs). Instead of requiring nodes to download and verify the entire transaction history, Mina compresses the entire blockchain state into a small, fixed-size cryptographic proof (approximately 22KB). This proof can be quickly verified, attesting to the validity of the entire chain from its genesis block. This methodology drastically reduces the resource requirements for running a full node, thereby increasing network decentralization and accessibility, as even devices with limited computational power can participate fully. The paper details the recursive SNARK construction and the consensus mechanism (Ouroboros Samasika), which is a Proof-of-Stake variant. Mina represents a significant advancement in addressing the ‘state bloat’ problem faced by growing blockchains. Authors: Izaak Meckler, Evan Shapiro Publication: Project Whitepaper Publication date: 2020-01-01

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Key findings

  • Mina Protocol implements a “succinct blockchain” with a constant size, regardless of transaction history.
  • It achieves this through the continuous and recursive application of Zero-Knowledge SNARKs.
  • The entire blockchain state is compressed into a small cryptographic proof (approx. 22KB).
  • This design significantly lowers the resource requirements for running a full node, enhancing decentralization.
  • Mina utilizes a Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism called Ouroboros Samasika.

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Citation

Izaak Meckler, Evan Shapiro (2020). Mina: A constant-size blockchain. Project Whitepaper. https://minaprotocol.com/wp-content/uploads/mina-whitepaper-1.1.pdf
Canonical knowledge ID: research:mina-a-constant-size-blockchain