LeanVM: Ethereum launches a more streamlined and efficient zkVM$ETH
Latest developments
https://www.binance.com/join?ref=BN88X
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that the development team proposed a solution called leanVM, a 'minimal zkVM', aimed at streamlining the underlying execution mechanism of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). This leanVM has been optimized for XMSS aggregate signatures and recursive computations, using a 4-instruction ISA, multi-linear STARKs, and logup lookups to minimize commitment costs  .
At the same time, this solution is part of the long-term vision of 'Lean Ethereum', emphasizing the use of minimal modules, post-quantum resistant design, and ZK technology, making the network more scalable, secure, and simple   .
⸻
In-depth analysis from multiple perspectives
1. Technical aspect: Why build leanVM?
The traditional EVM design has significant complexity, leading to extremely high costs for zk proof generation and lower verification efficiency. The design philosophy of leanVM includes:
• Minimal instruction set (4-ISA), reducing network execution complexity.
• Adoption of multi-linear STARKs, enhancing proof efficiency and credibility.
• Introduction of logup lookups, further reducing execution and proof overhead.
These technical measures can be seen as a performance optimization foundation for zkVM's implementation on the Ethereum mainnet, possessing practical significance and operability.
2. Security and post-quantum readiness
leanVM is an important component of the Lean Ethereum architecture, with Justin Drake and Vitalik advocating for the creation of a network core design that has 'long-term resistance to quantum attacks'. This architectural proposal emphasizes simplicity, security, and ease of verification, strengthening preventive measures against future risks from quantum computing  .
3. Ecological implementation imagination space
If leanVM successfully promotes the deployment of zkVM in the L1 ecosystem, it will benefit:
• zk clients lightweight, operable by more nodes efficiently;
• zk rollups mainnet integration capabilities enhanced, gas costs and network congestion significantly decreased;
• Accelerating cost reduction for Ethereum nodes, decentralization upgrades, and improved user friendliness.
This does not conflict with the development logic of Polygon zkEVM and other L2 zkVMs, but rather pushes the blockchain forward another layer.
