PythonStark

Copyright (c) 2025 SherifSystems
Educational Implementation - Not Professional Cryptographic Software

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Pure Python ZK-STARK Implementation for Educational Use

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⚠️ SECURITY WARNING

THIS SOFTWARE IS NOT PRODUCTION READY AND IS NOT CRYPTOGRAPHICALLY SECURE

This is experimental educational software for learning and research purposes ONLY.

• ❌ NOT audited
• ❌ NOT secure
• ❌ NOT for production
• ❌ NOT for handling sensitive data

Read SECURITY.md before using this software.

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What is PythonStark?

PythonStark is a zero-knowledge STARK (Scalable Transparent Argument of Knowledge) proving system implemented entirely in Python. It allows you to generate and verify proofs of computation without revealing the underlying data.

Purpose

Designed for:

• 📚 Research and Learning: Understand how ZK-STARKs work internally
• 🎓 Educational Use: Teach zero-knowledge proof concepts
• 🔬 Experimentation: Prototype and test ZK proof ideas

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Features

• ✅ Pure Python Implementation: Easy to understand and modify
• ✅ FRI-Based STARK Construction: Fast Reed-Solomon Interactive Oracle Proof
• ✅ Verkle Tree Commitments: Efficient vector commitment scheme
• ✅ Configurable Security: Adjustable security parameters (80-192 bits)
• ✅ Educational Focus: Code clarity prioritized over performance

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Installation

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/SherifSystems/Pythonstark.git
   cd Pythonstark

2. Install dependencies:

   pip install -r requirements.txt

3. Run the demo:

   python pythonstark.py

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Usage

Basic Example

# Import from the main module
from pythonstark import *

# Generate trace
trace = generate_fibonacci_trace_secure(256, mask=False)

# Setup security parameters
security_params = SecurityParameters.compute_parameters(128, 256)

# Create prover and verifier
prover = EnhancedPythonStarkProver(security_params)
verifier = EnhancedPythonStarkVerifier(security_params)

# Generate and verify proof
proof = prover.prove(trace)
valid = verifier.verify(trace, proof)
print(f"Proof valid: {valid}")

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Project Structure

Pythonstark/
├── pythonstark.py             # Main ZK-STARK implementation
├── pythonstark_benchmark.py   # Benchmark script
├── requirements.txt            # Python dependencies
├── LICENSE                     # License file
├── SECURITY.md                 # Security policy and warnings
├── README.md                   # This file
└── .gitignore                  # Git ignore file

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License

This project is licensed under the PythonStark License v1.0 (Non-Commercial).

Summary

• ✅ Free for research, education, and experimentation
• ✅ Attribution required: Must credit SherifSystems
• ❌ Commercial use prohibited without separate license
• ❌ No warranty: Provided "AS IS"
• ❌ No liability: Authors not liable for any damages

For commercial use, contact: sherifsystems@proton.me

See LICENSE for complete terms.

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Contributing

Contributions are welcome for non-commercial research and educational purposes.

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Make your changes
4. Test thoroughly
5. Submit a Pull Request

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Contact

• GitHub: https://github.com/SherifSystems/Pythonstark
• Email: sherifsystems@proton.me
• Issues: Use GitHub Issues for bugs and questions

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Remember: PythonStark is a learning tool. For production needs, use professionally audited, battle-tested libraries.

⭐ Star this repo if you find it useful for learning!