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Atomic Swap Mechanism

Definition

An atomic swap mechanism facilitates the direct exchange of different cryptocurrencies between two parties without requiring a centralized intermediary. This protocol uses smart contracts or similar cryptographic techniques to guarantee that either both asset transfers complete successfully or neither occurs. The mechanism ensures a trustless exchange of digital assets across distinct blockchain networks as a single, indivisible operation. It represents a significant advancement for decentralized asset trading, mitigating counterparty risk.