ZK-STARK stands for Zero-Knowledge Scalable Transparent Arguments of Knowledge. It is a cryptographic proof system designed to enhance privacy and scalability.ZK-STARKs allow one party to prove to another that they know a value without revealing the value itself. This is done through complex mathematical algorithms that ensure both security and efficiency. Unlike some other zero-knowledge proofs, ZK-STARKs are designed to be scalable, meaning they can handle a large number of transactions without a decrease in performance.Another key feature is transparency. ZK-STARKs do not require a trusted setup, which means there is no need for a third party to create cryptographic parameters. This reduces the risk of manipulation and enhances trust in the system.Their ability to increase transaction throughput while maintaining user privacy makes ZK-STARKs a promising technology for applications like decentralized finance (DeFi) and secure voting systems, where both confidentiality and efficiency are crucial.