Calldata Cost

Definition ∞ Calldata cost refers to the computational expense associated with storing and processing input data for smart contract executions on a blockchain. This expense is typically denominated in the network’s native gas unit and varies based on the size and complexity of the data transmitted. Efficient management of calldata is vital for optimizing transaction fees.
Context ∞ Calldata cost is a frequent topic in discussions about blockchain scalability and transaction efficiency, especially within Ethereum and its Layer 2 solutions. News articles often cover protocol upgrades, such as EIP-4844, designed to reduce calldata costs, thereby making network operations more affordable. Lower calldata costs are considered a significant step toward broader accessibility and increased throughput for decentralized applications.