Core Concepts
Aztec Network

Aztec Network Overview

Raven House is built on Aztec Network, a layer 2 privacy platform that enables confidential and efficient transactions on Ethereum.

What is Aztec Network?

Aztec Network is a privacy-focused layer 2 blockchain that uses zero-knowledge proofs to enable private transactions on Ethereum. It allows applications to benefit from both the security of Ethereum and the privacy features of zero-knowledge cryptography.

Key characteristics of Aztec Network include:

  • Privacy-first: Built from the ground up to enable confidential transactions
  • ZK-Rollup: Uses zero-knowledge rollups for scalability and low fees
  • Noir Language: Custom programming language for zero-knowledge applications
  • EVM Compatibility: Works with Ethereum while adding privacy features

How Raven House Uses Aztec

Raven House leverages Aztec's privacy features to provide benefits that traditional NFT marketplaces can't offer:

  1. Private NFT Ownership: Shield your NFT ownership from public view
  2. Confidential Transfers: Transfer NFTs without revealing transaction details
  3. Lower Gas Costs: Benefit from layer 2 scaling through ZK-rollups
  4. Secure Authentication: Use zero-knowledge proofs for verification without revealing sensitive data

Zero-Knowledge Proofs

At the core of Aztec are zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), which allow one party to prove to another that a statement is true without revealing any information beyond the validity of the statement itself.

In the context of NFTs:

  • A ZKP can prove you own an NFT without revealing which NFT
  • A ZKP can verify a transfer happened without revealing the specific details
  • A ZKP can confirm eligibility without exposing your entire collection

Notes and Nullifiers

Aztec uses a note-based system for privacy:

  • Notes: Encrypted records that represent ownership of assets
  • Nullifiers: Prevent double-spending while maintaining privacy
  • Viewing Keys: Allow selective disclosure to authorized parties

When you own an NFT privately on Raven House, it's stored as a note that only you can decrypt and prove ownership of.

Noir Language

Noir is a domain-specific language for writing zero-knowledge circuits, used to develop the smart contracts for Raven House.

Key features:

  • Aztec-native: Designed specifically for the Aztec ecosystem
  • Circuit-friendly: Optimized for creating efficient zero-knowledge proofs
  • Security-focused: Helps developers avoid common pitfalls

The NFT contracts on Raven House are written in Noir to leverage the full privacy capabilities of Aztec.

Resources

To learn more about Aztec Network:

Privacy Explained