Question 1

How do I verify a merkle proof using ICS 23 in Go?

Accepted Answer

Use the provided Go client library to parse the Protobuf-encoded proof and validate it against a root hash and key-value pair, following the examples in the repository's Go subfolder. Ensure your merkle store is compatible, such as IAVL or CometBFT, for proper integration.

Question 2

What's the difference between ICS 23 and a custom proof format for my blockchain?

Accepted Answer

ICS 23 offers a standardized, cross-language format that reduces development overhead and enhances security through configuration, whereas custom formats may require more code and risk inconsistencies. However, ICS 23 is limited to specific merkle tree types, so it might not fit all use cases.

Question 3

Can ICS 23 be used with Ethereum smart contracts?

Accepted Answer

No, ICS 23 does not support Ethereum's Patricia Trie due to its design requiring keys in leaf nodes, as explained in the README. For Ethereum, you'd need alternative proof systems or custom implementations, which ICS 23 avoids for security reasons.

Question 4

Why was the TypeScript implementation removed from ICS 23?

Accepted Answer

It was removed due to lack of maintenance and usage, as noted in pull request #353. This reflects the project's focus on core ecosystems like Cosmos, where Go and Rust are primary, but it limits accessibility for web developers.

Question 5

How efficient are ICS 23 proofs compared to other formats?

Accepted Answer

ICS 23 proofs are designed for simplicity and security, but they may be less efficient for batch operations since batch proofs are not yet implemented. For individual proofs, they are optimized for the supported merkle stores, but performance can vary based on the tree structure.

Question 6

Is ICS 23 only for Cosmos, or can it be used in other blockchains?

Accepted Answer

While optimized for Cosmos IBC, ICS 23 can be adapted for any lexicographically ordered merkle tree, such as Penumbra JMT. However, its ecosystem is tightly coupled with Cosmos, and unsupported trees like Ethereum's limit broader adoption.

ICS23

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