Definition ∞ Blockchain size reduction refers to methods designed to decrease the overall storage requirements of a blockchain ledger. These techniques allow nodes to operate with less data, making participation more accessible. It addresses the growing data burden that full nodes face over time. The goal is to improve network scalability and decentralization by lowering hardware demands.
Context ∞ Blockchain size reduction remains a persistent challenge and area of active research for major blockchain networks, impacting their long-term sustainability. Solutions like state pruning, sharding, and zero-knowledge proofs are continuously developed to manage data growth. News often covers updates on protocol upgrades aimed at achieving more efficient data storage without compromising security.