SubQuery Announces Data Indexing Support for Astar’s zkEVM Testnet zKatana, Enhancing Developers’ Experience

In a significant move for Astar’s roadmap, SubQuery has announced its support for data indexing on Astar Network’s zkEVM testnet, known as zKatana. This initiative is set to enhance the experience of developers working on blockchain projects, advancing interoperability with Ethereum-based chains. 

SubQuery’s Advanced Data Indexing For zKatana’s Backend  

In a recent blog post, SubQuery announced a collaboration with Astar, focusing on the latter’s zkEVM testnet, zKatana. This partnership aims to revolutionize the experience for developers working on the blockchain network.

zkEVM, or “zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine,” is a bit of a technical mouthful. In simple terms, it’s a way for the Astar network, which supports various blockchain applications, to communicate more smoothly with systems built on Ethereum. 

zKatana serves as a testing ground, a kind of virtual “sandbox,” for developers. Here, they can experiment, tweak, and test their blockchain ideas in real time. This environment is crucial for innovators to see how their applications would perform in the real world, particularly concerning certain technical aspects like gas usage, a form of computational “fuel” for processing blockchain transactions.

In an effort to enhance the flexibility of zKatana, SubQuery’s data indexing services are equipping developers with essential tools to effortlessly organize and query on-chain data for their protocols and applications. 

By abstracting the backend complexities, SubQuery offers a custom API, thereby allowing developers to concentrate on product development and user experience instead of constructing their proprietary indexing solutions. 

Sam Zou, Founder and CEO of SubQuery said, “We are excited to offer SubQuery’s flexible, fast, open, and decentralized data indexing solution to Astar’s zkEVM testnet. By abstracting backend intricacies, we empower developers to focus on what matters most: product development and user experience. Our support of Astar zKatana will help inspire web3 builders to create exciting new decentralized applications.”

Astar zkEVM Continues To Attract Developers 

Having established itself as a key player in the Polkadot ecosystem, Astar Network is now shifting its attention to making the development of EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) applications more accessible, all while ensuring the platform remains secure, private, and able to handle large-scale operations. 

Astar’s innovative zkEVM utilizes Polygon’s Chain Development Kit (CDK). The decision to utilize Polygon’s CDK was an obvious one, given its reputation as the most widely recognized and technically proficient solution for these so-called ‘zk rollups.’

Developing directly on the Ethereum network—a process known as building on the ‘mainnet’—comes with high costs. This is where ‘ZK-rollups’ come in. These are advanced blockchain procedures that handle complex computations off the main chain (in a ‘Layer 2‘ system), allowing for quicker and more cost-effective transactions. Here’s what developers and users can expect:

1. Security: One of Ethereum’s hallmarks is its robust security. Astar’s zkEVM inherits this feature, providing users with peace of mind that their applications are secure.
2. High EVM Equivalence: This simply means that applications can run on Astar’s system almost exactly as they would on Ethereum, making transitions smoother and more reliable.
3. Speed and Scalability: Astar’s platform can handle many transactions quickly, without performance dips—an essential factor for dapps looking to scale.
4. Cost-Effectiveness: Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects is the reduction in transaction fees. Lower costs could mean more room for experimentation and innovation within dapps.
5. Interoperability: This essentially means Astar’s system works well with tools and chains that are already part of the Ethereum ecosystem. This compatibility is crucial for developers wanting to integrate existing projects or tools with minimal hassle.