> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.pantherprotocol.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.pantherprotocol.io/docs/learn/cryptographic-primitives/zk-snarks.md). # ZK SNARKs Panther also utilizes [*ZK SNARKs*](https://www.di.ens.fr/~nitulesc/files/Survey-SNARKs.pdf), which stands for “Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge.” Thanks to ZK SNARKs, and just like with [ZKPs](/docs/learn/cryptographic-primitives/zero-knowledge-proofs.md), a prover can prove their possession of information without revealing it. However, the added benefit of ZK SNARKs is that they allow this to happen without both parties interacting. This helps further users’ privacy and anonymity. ZK SNARKs are: * **Succinct:** The size of the proof is small compared to the size of the statement being proved. * **Non-interactive:** ZK SNARKs do not require rounds of interaction between the prover and verifier except for a negligibly small probability. * **Argument:** A weaker notion of a mathematical proof where we assume the prover has bounded computational resources. * **Knowledge:** The prover cannot construct a proof without knowing a particular witness for the statement. This would be the equivalent of knowing “what to look for” or “what to decode”. Specifically, Panther uses a pairing-based SNARK called [Groth16](/docs/learn/cryptographic-primitives/zk-snarks/groth16.md). --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.pantherprotocol.io/docs/learn/cryptographic-primitives/zk-snarks.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.