Starknet Unveils SN Stack: A Game-Changer for Blockchain Development

Starknet has officially introduced the SN Stack, its dedicated rollup chain technology stack, providing developers with new tools to create tailored blockchain solutions. First hinted at in a July 2023 blog post, the SN Stack brings flexibility, efficiency, and accessibility to the forefront of blockchain innovation.

A Closer Look at the SN Stack

The SN Stack is more than just a technical upgrade—it’s a developer-centric approach to building validity rollup chains. These chains allow developers to customise key parameters like block times and sizes, ensuring solutions are tailored to specific needs. At its core, the SN Stack incorporates proven Starknet components, including:

• Starknet OS: The operating system foundation for building rollup chains.
• CairoVM: A virtual machine for executing Starknet’s Cairo language.
• Blockifier Execution Engine: A reliable engine to power transactions and smart contract execution.

These components, already battle-tested on Starknet, promise reliability and scalability.

Development Tools: Madara and Dojo

The SN Stack also introduces two key frameworks to cater to different developer needs:

1. Madara: Designed for modularity and open-source collaboration, this framework is perfect for developers looking to quickly launch appchains. With its intuitive setup, Madara reduces the complexity traditionally associated with blockchain development.
2. Dojo: Built with onchain gaming in mind, Dojo provides tools specifically for gaming applications, offering an optimised experience for this growing sector.

These frameworks highlight Starknet’s focus on accessibility and functionality, giving developers the flexibility to choose the best tools for their projects.

A Step Towards Open Source Infrastructure

One of the standout features of the SN Stack is its integration with StarkWare’s sequencer infrastructure. While currently managed by StarkWare, the sequencer infrastructure is set to become open source in the future. This move aligns with the broader blockchain ethos of decentralisation and transparency.

By leveraging the StarkWare sequencer infrastructure, developers can ensure faster transaction finality and maintain low costs. The potential for open sourcing this technology further strengthens the ecosystem’s appeal, paving the way for a broader community-driven development model.

Industry Reaction and Future Potential

Eli Ben-Sasson, StarkWare’s co-founder and CEO, described the SN Stack as a pivotal innovation. He noted, “From now, projects will be able to build appchains using the gold-standard ZK-STARK cryptography with the ease and low-cost that has only been possible with optimistic rollups.”

This announcement underscores a shift in blockchain development dynamics. Validity rollups powered by ZK-STARKs are known for their security and scalability. With the introduction of the SN Stack, Starknet positions itself as a leading player in making these advanced solutions accessible to developers across industries.

• Customisation: Developers can fine-tune parameters for specific use cases.
• Flexibility: Choice between modular (Madara) and gaming-focused (Dojo) frameworks.
• Future Proof: Planned open-sourcing of the sequencer infrastructure.

This combination of flexibility, proven technology, and forward-thinking openness positions Starknet as a key innovator in the blockchain space.