Block Discarding

Definition ∞ Block Discarding is the process where a blockchain node identifies and rejects a block from its local chain. This action occurs when a received block is deemed invalid due to protocol violations or if it is an orphaned block from a competing chain. It is a fundamental mechanism for maintaining the integrity and security of the network. This ensures only valid blocks are processed.
Context ∞ The appropriate handling of block discarding is essential for the security and consistency of a blockchain, preventing the inclusion of fraudulent transactions or state changes. Nodes discard blocks that do not adhere to network rules or those that lose in a fork resolution. This mechanism reinforces the canonical chain, which is critical for the overall reliability of the distributed ledger.