Blockchain data compression is crucial for improving scalability, performance, and cost-effectiveness. Here's what you need to know:
Compression MethodUse CaseBenefitsRun-Length EncodingRepeated data50-70% storage reductionDelta EncodingSlowly changing data20-40% faster network speedDictionary-basedRepeated patterns30-50% quicker node syncingEntropy EncodingOverall data reduction15-30% lower costs
Compression faces challenges like processing power requirements and maintaining data integrity. However, it's essential for blockchain's future, enabling networks to handle more transactions, work faster, and reduce costs as the technology evolves.
Blockchain data compression makes stored data smaller without losing information or safety. The main ideas are:
Common compression methods:
MethodHow it worksGood forRun-Length Encoding (RLE)Packs repeated data into one value and countData with lots of repeatsDelta EncodingStores differences between values, not full valuesData that changes slowlyDictionary-basedMakes a list of common patterns and uses short codesData with repeated patternsEntropy EncodingUses shorter codes for common valuesMaking overall data smaller
Blockchain has different kinds of data, each needing its own compression:
How to compress each type:
Data TypeBest compression methodTransaction dataDelta encoding, Run-length encodingState dataDictionary-based, Entropy encodingBlock headersDelta encoding Smart contract codeCompression that understands code structure
Compression makes blockchain networks work better in several ways:
How much compression helps:
What it improvesHow much it helpsStorage spaceUses 50-70% lessNetwork speed20-40% fasterTime for new nodes to join30-50% quickerCosts15-30% lower
In 2024, blockchain data compression has made big steps forward. New methods make data smaller while keeping it safe and correct. This helps blockchain networks work better and grow more.
SELCOM (Selective Compression) is a new way to make blockchain data smaller. It picks which parts of a block to compress. This method uses Block Merkle Trees, which are special structures that help check large amounts of data quickly.
What SELCOM and Block Merkle Trees doHow it helpsMake data smallerLess space neededCheck data fasterQuicker to make sure blocks are rightHandle moreCan fit more transactions in each block
This method takes snapshots of the blockchain at certain points. It helps new computers join the network faster by only downloading the latest snapshot and newer blocks.
How checkpoint-based compression helps:
Layer 2 solutions use smart ways to make transaction data smaller when they put it on the main blockchain. This is really helpful for rollups, which need to put their data on Layer 1 to stay safe.
Ways to make calldata smaller:
These are clever ways to write transaction data using less space:
MethodWhat it doesWhere it's usedScientific notationWrites big numbers in a short wayFor amounts and timesBitmap compressionUses 1s and 0s to show yes/no dataFor transaction settings
These methods can make transactions up to 50% smaller, which saves money on Layer 2 networks.
Solana uses a new technology called zk-Compression. It uses special math proofs to make on-chain data smaller. This helps solve the problem of expensive data storage on the blockchain.
What zk-Compression does:
These models make storing and managing account data on blockchains better. They work well for networks with lots of accounts or complex data.
How compressed account models work:
SNARKs (Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge) help make blockchain data smaller. They check large amounts of data without showing the data itself, which saves space on the blockchain.
SNARK FeatureHow it helpsSmall proofsLess data on the blockchainNo back-and-forthFaster checkingKeeps data privateBetter security
SNARks make a small proof that shows a calculation was done right, without showing the numbers used or the result. This is good for making complex transactions or changes in the blockchain smaller.
SNARKs are useful, but they have some issues:
Zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) make blockchain data smaller by checking data without showing it. This works well for making transaction data and blockchain changes smaller.
ZKP UseHow it makes data smallerGrouping transactionsMany transactions fit into one small proofChanging blockchain stateBig changes shown by small proofsManaging accountsStores and checks account data better
For example, Solana's zk-Compression uses ZKPs to make on-chain data up to 95% smaller. This saves storage costs and makes the network work better.
Good PointsBad PointsMakes data much smaller (up to 95% less)Needs more computer power to make proofsKeeps data privateCan be hard to set up and useHelps blockchain handle moreMight need special computers to work best
Zero-knowledge proofs are good for making blockchain data smaller and more private. But they need more computer power and can be tricky to use.
Layer 1 blockchains are looking for ways to store data better. Right now, compression isn't used much because storing data is cheap. But this might change in the future. Here are some ways Layer 1 blockchains are trying to improve storage:
MethodWhat it doesHow it helpsShardingSplits the blockchain into smaller partsSpreads out the work and lets the system growNew ways to agreeTrying different methods like Proof-of-StakeMight make things work faster and grow easierMixed methodsUsing parts from different ways of agreeingMakes special solutions for each blockchain
As blockchains get bigger, Layer 1 networks are thinking about ways to manage all the data:
These methods try to use less space without making the blockchain less safe or less spread out.
Layer 2 solutions, especially rollups, use compression to handle more transactions:
1. Optimistic rollups:
2. ZK-rollups:
Layer 2 solutions often store data away from the main chain to save space:
MethodWhat it doesWhy it's goodState channelsHandle transactions off-chain, only use the main chain when neededUses less space on the main chainSidechainsSeparate chains that work with the main chainCan use different ways to store dataNested blockchainsSmaller chains that report to the main chain sometimesSpreads out data storage across different levels
Compression makes blockchain networks handle more data by making it smaller. This lets the network grow and work with more users.
Compression MethodHow It Helps ScalingRun-Length EncodingMakes repeated data smallerDelta EncodingStores changes instead of full dataDictionary-basedUses short codes for common patternsEntropy EncodingUses shorter codes for frequent data
These methods work together to use less storage, helping blockchain networks grow and handle more transactions.
Compression makes transactions faster in several ways:
EffectHow It Speeds Up TransactionsFaster data sendingSmaller data moves quickerQuicker checkingNodes can check smaller data fasterBetter use of networkLess data means less network trafficEasier processingSmaller data needs less computer power
All these improvements help make transactions faster and the network more responsive.
Compression helps save money for people using and building on blockchains:
Area of SavingsHow Compression HelpsStorage costsLess data means cheaper storageNetwork costsSending less data costs lessComputer costsProcessing less data needs less powerful computersResource useBetter use of what's already there
These savings make blockchain easier to use and build on for more people, which helps more people join in and come up with new ideas.
Compressing blockchain data needs a lot of computer power. As blockchains grow, more processing power is needed to make data smaller.
Compression MethodComputer Power NeededRun-Length EncodingLowDelta EncodingMediumDictionary-basedHighMachine Learning-basedVery High
It's important to balance making data small with how much computer power is used. This helps keep the network working well and able to grow.
Making data smaller must not make it less safe. Blockchain networks need to protect their data while compressing it.
Things to think about for data safety:
Networks must carefully choose compression methods that keep their data safe.
Making compression methods the same across different blockchains is important. Right now, different networks use different ways to compress data. This can cause problems when networks try to work together.
People are working on this by:
Having the same compression methods everywhere could help blockchains work better and grow. But it's hard to get everyone to agree on one way to do things because different blockchains have different needs.
New ways to make blockchain data smaller are being created. These new methods help with the growing need to store more data. Two good ways are:
Using both together works even better:
MethodWhat it doesHow it helpsDelta encodingStores changes in dataMakes data smallerHuffman codingShort codes for common dataMakes data even smallerBoth togetherUses both methodsBest way to make data small
Making data smaller works best when used with other ways to improve blockchains. For example, splitting data into parts (data partitioning) can work well with compression:
TechniqueWhat it doesData compressionMakes all data smallerData partitioningSplits data for easier useUsing bothHelps store and find data faster
This helps blockchains work better and grow bigger.
New ways to make data smaller might include:
These new ideas will help store more data, make transactions faster, and let blockchains grow bigger. As we find better ways to make data smaller, it will help solve problems with managing lots of data in blockchains.
Blockchain networks use different ways to make data smaller. Here are the main ones:
MethodWhat it doesWhy it's goodRun-Length EncodingPacks repeated data togetherWorks well for data that repeats a lotDelta EncodingStores changes between valuesMakes overall data size smallerDictionary-basedUses short codes for common patternsGood for data with repeated patternsEntropy EncodingUses shorter codes for common valuesMakes data smaller based on how often values appear
These methods, and mixing them together, help make blockchain data take up less space and move faster.
Making blockchain data smaller helps in several ways:
As we find better ways to make data smaller, blockchains will be able to do more and be used in more places.
AreaHow compression helpsGrowthNetworks can handle more as data gets smallerSpeedSmaller data moves and processes fasterCostLess storage and better performance save moneyUseMore businesses can use blockchain as it improves
As compression gets better, it will help fix current blockchain problems and let more people use the technology.
