News Report Technology
December 16, 2024

RISC Zero Releases zkVM 1.2, Introducing App-Defined Precompiles Feature

In Brief

RISC Zero has introduced “application-defined” precompiles for its zkVM 1.2, enabling developers to build ZK apps by including precompiles within them rather than in the zkVM.

RISC Zero Releases zkVM 1.2, Introducing App-Defined Precompiles Feature

Zero-knowledge (ZK) verifiable general computing platform, RISC Zero has introduced “application-defined” precompiles for its Zero-Knowledge Virtual Machine (zkVM) 1.2. This innovation enables developers to build high-performance ZK applications by including precompiles within the application itself rather than within the zkVM.

zkVM 1.2 brings a notable advancement in how precompiles function. Unlike traditional precompiles, which require coordination between developers, provers, and verifiers, its application-defined precompiles offer several benefits. These include enabling developers to deploy new precompiles without updating on-chain verifier contracts or coordinating with provers to use a new circuit. Additionally, developers can optimize their applications without forking the zkVM or modifying existing systems.

The platform is designed to operate on the Boundless protocol, enhancing ZK performance across all chains. This independence enables developers to optimize their applications immediately, while proof providers can support any application without special configurations, laying a strong foundation for the future of decentralized proving.

For Boundless, this method offers users greater control, as it eliminates the need for applications and provers to agree on a matching set of precompiles. It also ensures minimal disruption for production projects since new precompiles can be added without necessitating a new verifier contract.

The performance benefits of these precompiles are immediately apparent. For example, Automata, a partner, integrated RISC Zero’s RSA precompile and reduced their guest program’s cycle count from 39 million to 217,000, resulting in approximately a 180x reduction in costs.

What Is RISC Zero And Boundless?  

RISC Zero is focused on developing infrastructure and tools that enable developers globally to create software leveraging ZK technology. Its zkVM allows users to prove the correct execution of arbitrary Rust code. By enabling the use of existing Rust packages, RISC Zero’s zkVM streamlines the creation of reliable, verifiable software applications that incorporate ZK proofs.

Recently, RISC Zero opened its ZK protocol, Boundless, for developer access. This enables unlimited execution without the need to migrate existing systems or update verification contracts. Developers can now quickly build and deploy ZK applications on any blockchain while benefiting from free access to the proving service offered by Boundless.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, please note that the information provided on this page is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of advice. It is important to only invest what you can afford to lose and to seek independent financial advice if you have any doubts. For further information, we suggest referring to the terms and conditions as well as the help and support pages provided by the issuer or advertiser. MetaversePost is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice.

About The Author

Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in crypto, AI, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.

More articles
Alisa Davidson
Alisa Davidson

Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in crypto, AI, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.

How Minmax Is Building The Professional AI Trading Terminal Prediction Markets Still Lack In 2026

Minmax processed roughly $100,000 in volume in the first three days of June, most of it through ...

Know More

The Calm Before The Solana Storm: What Charts, Whales, And On-Chain Signals Are Saying Now

Solana has demonstrated strong performance, driven by increasing adoption, institutional interest, and key partnerships, while facing potential ...

Know More
Read More
Read more
ARP Digital Secures VARA Broker-Dealer Licence, Adds Dubai To Its Regulated GCC Footprint
Business News Report Technology
ARP Digital Secures VARA Broker-Dealer Licence, Adds Dubai To Its Regulated GCC Footprint
August 11, 2026
Coinbase Launches Onchain Securities Hub In Abu Dhabi, Leveraging ADGM’s Progressive Regulatory Framework
Business News Report Technology
Coinbase Launches Onchain Securities Hub In Abu Dhabi, Leveraging ADGM’s Progressive Regulatory Framework
August 11, 2026
‘The Advertised Fee Is Not The Real Cost’: Paybis Report Finds Only 1 In 22 Crypto Platforms Shows Full Pricing Upfront
Opinion Technology
‘The Advertised Fee Is Not The Real Cost’: Paybis Report Finds Only 1 In 22 Crypto Platforms Shows Full Pricing Upfront
August 11, 2026
Coalition Of Bitcoin And Digital Asset Firms Calls On AI Labs To Prioritize Open-Source Financial Infrastructure Defenders In Trusted Access Programs
News Report Technology
Coalition Of Bitcoin And Digital Asset Firms Calls On AI Labs To Prioritize Open-Source Financial Infrastructure Defenders In Trusted Access Programs
August 11, 2026