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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.

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2 linked

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All terms and definitions may update as the Cryptionary improves.