Decoupled Finality

Definition ∞ Decoupled finality is a blockchain design approach where the block production mechanism operates independently from the finalization mechanism. This means that blocks can be proposed and processed quickly, while the confirmation of their immutability occurs through a separate, potentially slower, but more robust finality gadget. It allows for high transaction throughput while maintaining strong security guarantees. This separation improves network responsiveness and overall performance.
Context ∞ Decoupled finality is a key architectural feature being explored and implemented in next-generation blockchain protocols, particularly in the context of Ethereum’s upgrades. News often discusses how this design can enhance scalability and resistance to certain types of attacks, such as selfish mining. The trade-offs between speed of block production and the time to achieve absolute finality are frequently analyzed. This concept is central to achieving both performance and security in decentralized systems.