Category: Scaling Solutions

Block Size
The maximum amount of data that a single block in a blockchain can contain.
Bridge (Blockchain Bridge)
A protocol that enables the transfer of assets and data between two different blockchain networks.
Cross-Chain Communication
The ability of different blockchain networks to exchange information and value securely and reliably.
Data Availability
The assurance that all necessary blockchain data is accessible for verifying blocks and maintaining network consensus.
EVM Equivalence
The property of Layer 2 networks or alternative chains to precisely replicate Ethereum's execution environment for seamless compatibility.
Block Compression
A technique used to reduce the size of blockchain blocks by eliminating redundant or unnecessary data.
Child Chains
Independent blockchains that run parallel to a mainchain, often secured or validated by it.
Cross-Chain Bridge
A protocol that enables token and data transfers between different blockchain networks.
Cross-Chain Communication Protocols
Technologies that enable secure data and value exchange across independent blockchains.
DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph)
A data structure used in some blockchains as an alternative to linear chains to increase scalability and speed.
Adaptive State Sharding
A dynamic sharding technique used in blockchains to optimize scalability by adjusting shard structures based on demand.
AppChain
A blockchain optimized for a single decentralized application, enabling custom performance and governance features.
Application-Specific Blockchain
A custom-built blockchain designed to serve a single application or use case with tailored performance and governance.
Arithmetic Circuit
A mathematical representation used to encode computations in zero-knowledge proofs and zk-SNARKs.
Asynchronous Messaging
A communication pattern where messages are sent without requiring an immediate response, common in cross-chain protocols.
Availability Layer
A blockchain component responsible for ensuring that transaction data is accessible and verifiable by all nodes.
AVM (Arbitrum Virtual Machine)
A custom virtual machine developed for Arbitrum rollups to optimize smart contract execution.
Batching
A technique used in blockchain to group multiple transactions into a single operation, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
A hard fork of Bitcoin designed to enable faster and cheaper transactions through larger block sizes.
BlockDAG
A blockchain architecture where blocks form a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG), allowing parallel validation and greater scalability.
Blockchain Interoperability
The ability of different blockchain networks to communicate and exchange data or assets securely and seamlessly.
Blockchain Sharding
A scalability technique that splits a blockchain’s data and processing across multiple shards to improve performance.
Blocksize
The maximum amount of data that a block can contain, directly influencing transaction throughput and network performance.
Bridge (Cross-Chain Bridge)
A protocol that enables the transfer of assets or data between different blockchain networks.
Circuit (ZK Circuit)
A computational structure used in zero-knowledge proofs to verify logic without revealing underlying data.
Compression (On-Chain Data Compression)
A technique used to reduce the storage and bandwidth requirements of on-chain data, improving blockchain scalability.
Coordinated Sequencer
An entity in rollup-based blockchains that orders transactions and proposes batches to the Layer 1 chain.
Cross-Chain
The ability for different blockchain networks to communicate, transfer assets, and execute operations between each other.
Data Availability
The guarantee that all necessary blockchain data is accessible to verify transactions and network state.
Data Availability Layer
A specialized blockchain component that ensures transaction data is accessible for validation, crucial for modular blockchain scalability.
Data Availability Sampling (DAS)
A probabilistic method for verifying data availability without downloading the full dataset, used in scalable blockchain designs.
Isomorphic Rollup
A rollup architecture where the Layer 2 environment mirrors Layer 1 execution logic, enabling seamless compatibility and composability.
L2 Rollup
A Layer 2 scaling solution that executes transactions off-chain and posts compressed data to Layer 1 for security.
Merkle Proof
A cryptographic proof that verifies the inclusion of a data element within a Merkle tree without revealing the entire dataset.
Modular Blockchain
A blockchain design that separates core functions like execution, consensus, and data availability across specialized layers.
Off-Chain
Any data, transaction, or computation that occurs outside the main blockchain network.
Off-Chain Computation
A method where heavy or complex calculations are executed outside the blockchain to enhance scalability and efficiency.
One-Way Peg
A mechanism that allows assets to move from one blockchain to another but not back in the opposite direction.
Optimistic Rollup
A Layer 2 scaling solution that assumes transactions are valid by default and only runs fraud proofs if challenged.
Plasma
A Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum that uses child chains to offload transaction processing from the main chain.
Relayer
An off-chain actor or service that submits transactions on behalf of users in systems like rollups, bridges, and meta-transactions.
Rollup
A Layer 2 scaling solution that executes transactions off-chain and posts compressed data to the base blockchain.
Scalability Trilemma
A concept that describes the trade-off between scalability, security, and decentralization in blockchain design.
Segregated Witness (SegWit)
A Bitcoin protocol upgrade that separates signature data from transaction data to improve scalability and security.
Sharding
A blockchain scalability technique that splits the network into smaller partitions (shards) to process transactions in parallel.
Sidechain
An independent blockchain that runs in parallel to a main chain and is interoperable through a bridge.
SNARK (Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge)
A cryptographic proof system that allows one party to prove possession of information without revealing it, using compact and efficient proofs.
State Channel
A Layer 2 scaling solution that allows parties to transact off-chain and settle the final state on-chain.
Subnet
A custom blockchain network within a larger ecosystem, offering scalability and application-specific configurations.
ZK-Rollup
A layer 2 scaling solution that uses zero-knowledge proofs to batch transactions securely and efficiently.
zk-SNARK
A cryptographic proof that allows one party to prove it knows a value without revealing it, using zero knowledge.
zk-STARK
A zero-knowledge cryptographic proof system offering transparency and scalability without a trusted setup.