Atomic Cycles

Definition ∞ Atomic cycles describe a sequence of operations that either all complete successfully or none of them do, ensuring data consistency. In the context of blockchain, this often refers to transactions that execute entirely or revert completely. This property prevents partial updates and maintains system integrity.
Context ∞ Atomic cycles are vital for the reliability of smart contracts and cross-chain operations, preventing situations where one part of a transaction succeeds while another fails. News regarding decentralized exchanges or interoperability protocols often highlights the implementation of atomic swaps, which rely on this principle for secure asset transfers without intermediaries. The robustness of these cycles directly impacts user trust and system security.