Atomic Swaps

Definition ∞ An atomic swap enables the direct exchange of cryptocurrencies across different blockchains without a central party. This peer-to-peer transaction mechanism employs Hash Time-Locked Contracts, guaranteeing either both participants receive their respective assets or neither does. The protocol ensures simultaneous execution, thereby effectively mitigating counterparty risk inherent in traditional exchanges. Such swaps represent a significant advancement for decentralized asset transfer capabilities.
Context ∞ Discussions surrounding atomic swaps frequently concern their pivotal role in fostering interoperability across diverse blockchain networks. Their development is critical for enabling truly permissionless value transfers, lessening reliance on centralized intermediaries. Ongoing efforts focus on enhancing their efficiency and scalability to facilitate wider adoption within the digital asset ecosystem.