Computation Outsourcing

Definition ∞ Computation Outsourcing involves delegating complex computational tasks to external entities or specialized networks. This allows a requesting party to obtain results for computations without performing the resource-intensive work itself. In blockchain contexts, this frequently employs techniques such as off-chain computation or zero-knowledge proofs. The aim is to enhance efficiency and scalability by moving heavy processing away from the main ledger.
Context ∞ This technique is vital for improving the scalability and efficiency of decentralized applications. It addresses the inherent limitations of on-chain processing, where every network node must verify every computation. The current discussion centers on ensuring the verifiability and integrity of outsourced computations, thereby maintaining trust in the overall system without sacrificing performance.