Definition ∞ Asymptotic bounds describe the limiting behavior of functions as their input approaches infinity, providing a way to analyze the efficiency of algorithms. In computer science, particularly relevant to blockchain, these bounds characterize how an algorithm’s runtime or memory usage scales with increasing data size. They express the upper, lower, or tight limits on resource consumption, abstracting away constant factors and smaller terms.
Context ∞ When discussing blockchain scalability and performance, asymptotic bounds are frequently referenced to compare the efficiency of different consensus mechanisms or cryptographic operations. News articles might refer to these concepts when evaluating the long-term viability of a protocol under heavy transaction loads or when comparing the computational demands of various proof systems. Their consideration helps assess a network’s future capacity and resistance to resource exhaustion.