Arithmetic Circuit
Also known as: ZK Circuit, SNARK Circuit, Computational Proof Model
A mathematical representation used to encode computations in zero-knowledge proofs and zk-SNARKs.
An arithmetic circuit is a structured mathematical model that represents computations as a series of operations (additions and multiplications) over a finite field. In blockchain, arithmetic circuits are essential for constructing zero-knowledge proofs such as zk-SNARKs and zk-STARKs. They allow complex logic to be encoded into a provable form that maintains privacy and efficiency. Circuit construction directly affects prover time, proof size, and gas costs. Tools like Circom and Halo2 help developers build and optimize these circuits for applications in private transactions, on-chain identity, and verifiable computation.