Protocol

blockchain · networking

The formal set of rules that define how participants in a network communicate and reach consensus.

1.basic

A protocol specifies message formats, validation rules, and consensus procedures. In cryptocurrencies, it governs transaction validity, block structure, and upgrade mechanisms.

2.evolution

Protocols evolve via proposals, testing, and network-wide upgrades. Backward-compatible changes are soft forks; incompatible changes are hard forks.

Related terms

Fork

→

A fork is a blockchain divergence caused by competing blocks, software changes, or incompatible consensus rules.

blockchain · event

Node

→

Software that participates in a peer-to-peer network by validating, serving, relaying, or requesting blockchain data.

network · blockchain

All terms and definitions may update as the Cryptionary improves.

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