User Concepts Explained

This section helps end users understand some key concepts when interacting with the Zeko network.

Testnet vs Mainnet

Zeko's architecture is mostly isomorphic to Mina. This means the experience of using Zeko on a test network (like devnet) is analogous to using Mina's own testnet compared to its Mainnet.

• Testnets (like Zeko testnet and alphanet) are environments provided for developers and users to test applications and features in a setting that mimics the Mainnet, but without using real-world value. They often have faucets to obtain free test tokens, for example, the faucet on https://zeko.io/faucet is for the Zeko testnet instance.
• Mainnet will be the primary, live Zeko network where transactions involve real value.

Starting out on a testnet like Zeko testnet is recommended to become familiar with the network and its interactions before using the Mainnet.

Understanding Transaction Fees

When you perform transactions or interact with zkApps on Zeko, you will incur fees. These fees play a crucial role in the network's operation and are typically paid to the sequencer.

Key points about Zeko transaction fees:

• Fees on Zeko are cheaper than equivalent complex transactions on Layer 1 Mina, aiming to improve the economics of using zkApps.
• The amount of the fee for Layer 2 transactions is related to the complexity of the circuit/computation involved in the transaction. There's an upper limit on how much complexity can be included in a batch, which limits the number of account updates per batch.
• For cross-layer operations like bridging assets from L1 to L2 (deposits), the fees can be potentially higher due to the requirement for an L1 inclusion proof pool.
• Fees are charged in L1 tokens (MINA).
• Fees cover various aspects of the ZK Rollup operation, including data availability storage, batch creation, proof aggregation, and posting the batch to Layer 1.

WARNING

Creating a new account on Mina and on Zeko also involves paying an account creation fee of 1 MINA (or 1 tMINA on testnets).

Zeko aims to make the fee structure competitive within the wider rollup space.