# SNARKs

Source URL: https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/snarks
Updated: 2026-05-26T17:23:13.000Z
Letter: S

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SNARKs, or Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge, are a type of zero-knowledge proof system similar to [STARKs](https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/starks) but with the added property of succinctness (their ability to produce compact, quick-to-verify proofs).

In contrast to STARKs, SNARKs operate based on cryptography that is not quantum-resistant and usually requires a trusted setup. Despite these aspects, they offer smaller proof sizes and quicker verification times than STARKs, making them preferable for applications where speed and space are important considerations.

Navigation: Blockstream Help Center > Education > Glossary > SNARKs

## Related Terms in This Letter
- [Satoshis (sats)](https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/sats)
- [Schnorr signatures](https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/schnorr-signatures)
- [SHA-256](https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/sha-256)
- [Shamir's Secret Sharing](https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/shamir-secret-sharing)
- [SNARKs](https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/snarks) (current)
- [Sound Money](https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/sound-money)
- [STARKs](https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/starks)
- [Synthetic asset](https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/synthetic-asset)