🧠 EZKL: Easy Zero-Knowledge Inference

May 21, 2022 | Educational

EZKL is a library and command-line tool that lets you perform inference for deep learning models and computational graphs using zk-snark (ZKML) technology. This tool allows for a unique workflow where you can prove computations without revealing the underlying data. Let’s dive into how you can get started with EZKL, and troubleshoot common issues.

Getting Started with EZKL

The easiest way to begin using EZKL is by trying out a Jupyter notebook. Here’s a straightforward guide to get you rolling:

1. Installation

  • Python: Install the Python bindings using the command:
  • pip install ezkl
  • For GPU support, use:
  • pip install ezkl-gpu
  • Check out Google Colab for an example of how to train a neural network and deploy an inference verifier on-chain:
  • Example Notebook

2. Command Line Interface (CLI)

To install the CLI, run:

curl https://raw.githubusercontent.com/zkonduitezkl/main/install_ezkl_cli.sh | bash

This installation process is faster than using Python due to reduced overhead.

3. Building the Project

You can build the project from the source by running:

cargo install --locked --path .

Additionally, to build Python bindings, you’ll want to set up a virtual environment and install necessary libraries.

Understanding the Code: An Analogy

Imagine you’re a chef working in a top restaurant, and you’re responsible for creating a fancy dish. You first need to gather your ingredients (data), prepare them (define a computational graph), and then cook (run your inference).

In this analogy:

  • Your recipe represents your computational graph – just like in PyTorch or TensorFlow.
  • The ONNX file serves as the finalized recipe that you can share with other chefs (tools/applications).
  • The sample inputs are like the ingredients you need to create the dish.
  • Finally, proving statements via ZK-SNARK is like presenting your dish while ensuring the secret ingredients remain hidden!
This way, you can satisfy customers (users) with your culinary expertise without revealing your secret techniques (data privacy).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While working with EZKL, you might encounter some challenges. Here are steps to resolve them:

  • If you experience installation errors, ensure you have all dependencies installed. You may refer to the documentation for detailed instructions.
  • For performance-related queries, check if you have configured your GPU correctly if using ENABLE_ICICLE_GPU.
  • If your outputs differ from expected results, this could be due to how operations are quantized during conversion from ONNX to zk-circuit. Consult the technical writeups for further information.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

Conclusion

As you explore EZKL, remember that it’s still undergoing rapid development, so keep an eye on emerging features and fixes. The possibilities with EZKL are exciting, especially as they open doors for privacy-preserving AI applications!

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

Stay Informed with the Newest F(x) Insights and Blogs

Tech News and Blog Highlights, Straight to Your Inbox