core-concepts:protocols

Explain Midnight's Kachina and Zswap protocols for private smart contracts and shielded token transfers.

37|9|Updated Feb 25, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/devrelaicom/midnight-expert --skill core-concepts-protocols
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: core-concepts:protocols
Source: https://github.com/devrelaicom/midnight-expert/tree/main/plugins/core-concepts/skills/protocols
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/devrelaicom/midnight-expert --skill core-concepts-protocols

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Midnight protocols introduce confidential computation and shielded token transfer mechanics, enabling developers to reason about on-chain public state alongside private data and to evaluate privacy guarantees for smart contracts.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Kachina Protocol enables confidential, general-purpose smart contracts with privacy-preserving execution on-chain.
  • Zswap Protocol provides shielded token transfers and atomic swaps with privacy guarantees and balance verification.
  • Use cases include DeFi with private balances, confidential asset issuance, and contract-driven private data workflows.

Quick Start

Summarize how Kachina and Zswap enable private, two-state smart contracts and shielded token transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions about core-concepts:protocols

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do confidential smart contracts maintain privacy for on-chain computations?▼

Confidential smart contracts use a two-state model, separating public state from private data. Protocols like Kachina leverage zero-knowledge proofs to execute computations on-chain while keeping private inputs shielded.

What is the Zswap protocol and how does it enable shielded token transfers?▼

The Zswap protocol provides shielded token transfers and atomic swaps by using zero-knowledge proofs for balance verification. This ensures transaction privacy while cryptographically guaranteeing that token balances remain valid.

How do Kachina and Zswap interact to support private DeFi applications?▼

Kachina handles general-purpose private smart contract execution, while Zswap manages shielded token transfers and atomic swaps. Together they enable DeFi use cases like private balances and confidential asset issuance.

When do I need zero-knowledge proofs and Merkle proofs for private state verification?▼

Zero-knowledge proofs verify private computations without exposing data, and Merkle proofs establish private state membership within the two-state model. Both are required when integrating shielded contract logic.

Can I use Midnight's confidential contracts for atomic swaps with privacy guarantees?▼

Yes, the Zswap protocol enables atomic swaps with privacy guarantees. It uses zero-knowledge proofs to verify balances cryptographically without revealing transaction details or participant identities.

What are the integration requirements for token issuance in confidential smart contracts?▼

Token issuance requires integrating with the two-state model to manage public and private states, using Zswap for shielded transfers and Kachina for contract logic. Developers must handle Merkle proofs and ZK proof generation.