DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph)
Also known as: Directed Graph Ledger, Acyclic Chain, Graph-Based Blockchain
A data structure used in some blockchains as an alternative to linear chains to increase scalability and speed.
A Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) is a non-linear data structure where records (or nodes) are connected in a graph with a defined direction and no cycles. DAGs are used in some blockchain alternatives like IOTA, Hedera Hashgraph, and Fantom to increase transaction throughput, reduce confirmation times, and avoid traditional block mining. Instead of sequential blocks, DAGs allow multiple records to be confirmed in parallel, offering potential for better scalability and efficiency. DAG-based networks often rely on alternative consensus mechanisms like virtual voting or gossip protocols.