Base Layer Performance

Definition ∞ Base layer performance refers to the fundamental speed, capacity, and efficiency of a blockchain’s primary network. This metric assesses how quickly a blockchain can process transactions, finalize blocks, and scale its operations. It directly impacts the user experience and the feasibility of applications built upon it. High base layer performance is crucial for supporting widespread adoption and complex decentralized applications.
Context ∞ A key discussion surrounding base layer performance involves the scalability trilemma, where blockchains strive to balance decentralization, security, and scalability. Critical future developments focus on various scaling solutions, such as sharding and improved consensus mechanisms, to boost transaction throughput without compromising network integrity. News often reports on upgrades and benchmarks related to these core capabilities, indicating a blockchain’s competitive standing.