Definition ∞ Blockchain latency represents the time required for a transaction to be fully processed and confirmed on a distributed ledger. This metric measures the delay from a transaction’s submission until its irreversible inclusion within a block and subsequent validation by network participants. It encompasses block propagation delays, block production intervals, and the duration needed for sufficient network confirmations to ensure finality. High latency can impede the responsiveness of decentralized applications and restrict real-world adoption for time-sensitive operations.
Context ∞ Blockchain latency is a persistent challenge frequently cited in discussions about scalability and the practical utility of various blockchain networks. News articles often report on new layer-1 protocols or layer-2 scaling solutions specifically designed to reduce this delay, thereby improving user experience. The pursuit of lower latency is a primary driver behind innovations such as sharding, optimistic rollups, and zero-knowledge rollups. Achieving low latency while maintaining decentralization and security remains a significant area of research and development.
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