Verifiable Random Function (VRF)
A function that produces a random-looking output with a proof that can be publicly verified.
A VRF lets a party generate pseudorandom values with proofs verifiable by anyone using the party’s public key. Used in leader election and committees without revealing biasable seeds.
"In a PoS protocol, validators compute a VRF per slot; if the output is below a threshold, they’re eligible to propose a block and include the VRF proof."
Related Terms
Validator
→A participant in a Proof of Stake (or similar) system who proposes and attests to blocks, often bonded by a stake.
Proof of Stake
→A consensus algorithm where one's stake in the cryptocurrency is used to validate transactions and create new blocks, offering an energy-efficient alternative to Proof of Work.
All terms and definitions may update as the Cryptionary improves.
