A computer that maintains a copy of the blockchain and validates transactions

A change in blockchain protocol rules that creates a divergence from the original chain

What is Hash Function?

Cryptographic algorithm that converts input data into a fixed-size alphanumeric string

A distributed ledger technology that records transactions in blocks linked chronologically and secured through cryptography

What is Genesis Block?

The first block in a blockchain, hardcoded into the software

A permanent divergence requiring all nodes to upgrade to the new protocol

Soft Fork definition

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Oct 04, 2025

Définition

A backward-compatible upgrade that doesnt require all nodes to update

Soft forks like SegWit on Bitcoin improve scalability without breaking compatibility, allowing gradual adoption and maintaining network consensus with minimal disruption. Soft Fork Examples: SegWit (Bitcoin, 2017): Separated signatures for larger blocks. Taproot (Bitcoin, 2021): Enhanced privacy and smart contract capabilities. Berlin (Ethereum, 2021): Gas cost optimizations. Activation Methods: User-activated (UASF), miner signaling via version bits, or developer consensus.

keywords

Core Blockchain Concepts

Termes Connexes

Node

Fork

Hash Function

Blockchain

Genesis Block

Hard Fork