# SNARK Workers

> SNARK workers produce zk-SNARK proofs that keep the Mina blockchain succinct.

Canonical URL: https://docs.minaprotocol.com/node-operators/snark-workers/

While most protocols have one primary group of node operators (miners, validators, or block producers), Mina has a second group — **SNARK workers**. These nodes produce [zk-SNARK](/glossary#zk-snark) proofs of transactions, which keep the Mina blockchain at a constant size instead of growing over time.

A **SNARK coordinator** can distribute work across a pool of SNARK workers.

Deep knowledge of zk-SNARKs is not required to run a SNARK worker, but for background see the [What are zk-SNARKs?](https://minaprotocol.com/blog/what-are-zk-snarks) primer.

## Next steps

- [Getting Started](/node-operators/snark-workers/getting-started) — Run a SNARK worker or coordinator
- [Docker Compose Example](/node-operators/snark-workers/docker-compose) — Run a coordinator and worker with Docker Compose
- [FAQ: SNARKs and SNARK Workers](/node-operators/faq#snarks-and-snark-workers) — Common questions about SNARK pricing, fees, and performance