Confirmation Time

Definition ∞ Confirmation time measures the duration required for a transaction on a blockchain to be irreversibly recorded and recognized as valid by the network. This period accounts for the time it takes for a transaction to be included in a block and for subsequent blocks to be added on top. A shorter confirmation time generally indicates a faster and more efficient network. It directly influences user experience and the practical utility of a digital asset for payments.
Context ∞ Confirmation time is a critical metric for evaluating the performance and usability of various blockchain networks, especially in contexts requiring rapid finality. Debates often arise regarding the trade-offs between faster confirmation and network security or decentralization. Innovations in consensus mechanisms and layer-2 solutions frequently aim to reduce this duration for mainstream adoption.