Succinct proofs of chain work for trust-minimized verification.
Verify Ergo from mobile, browsers, or other chains using compact proofs instead of full sync. Learn how PoW works in Secure PoW.
A transaction or block appears on Ergo.
A succinct proof is built from sampled headers.
Anyone verifies the proof quickly and trustlessly.
NIPoPoWs are cryptographic proofs that let you verify blockchain events without downloading the entire chain — ideal for mobile and cross-chain use.
Proof size and verification grow logarithmically with chain length via sampling of superblocks from headers.
Compared with classic SPV, NIPoPoWs give formal guarantees to compare competing chains by accumulated work without full state.
Enables SPV/NIPoPoW-style protocols and trust-minimized cross-chain interactions.
Secure verification on mobile or web without downloading the full blockchain.
Verify chain work in seconds using compact proofs instead of full syncs.
No trusted relays or validators; verification follows PoW assumptions.
Light clients should observe a finality window; new proofs can supersede earlier ones if a short reorg occurs.
NIPoPoWs preserve PoW security assumptions while cutting verification data from full history to compact proofs.
| Aspect | Traditional | NIPoPoWs |
|---|---|---|
| Verification Time | Hours to days (full sync) | Seconds to minutes |
| Data Required | Entire blockchain history | Small cryptographic proof |
| Trust Requirements | Trust full nodes or validators | Trustless cryptographic verification |
| Mobile Compatibility | Impractical due to size | Optimized for mobile devices |
| Security model | Varies by design | Preserves PoW assumptions |
| Finality handling | Implementation-specific | Observe window; new proof can supersede |
| State access | Full state on device | Event/work proof only (no full state) |
Trust-minimized bridges and SPV-style interoperability between blockchains.
Light wallets that prove chain work with succinct proofs for instant sync.
Efficient verification of external chain data for smart contracts.
Sidechains can verify Layer 1 succinctly for security and liveness guarantees.
Fast verification for cross-chain DeFi without waiting for full synchronization.
Instant payment confirmation for merchants without running full nodes.
// TypeScript pseudo: verify NiPoPoW proof against best header
import { verifyProof } from "@ergo/nipopow"; // replace with actual lib
const proof = await fetch("/api/proof?txId=...").then(r => r.json());
const headers = await fetch("/api/headers?from=...").then(r => r.json());
const ok = verifyProof(proof, headers);
if (!ok) throw new Error("Invalid proof");
// continue: accept event / show confirmed state
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