Delay Parameter

Definition ∞ A delay parameter specifies a minimum waiting period or a computational requirement that must be met before an action can proceed within a digital system. In blockchain contexts, this could relate to the time needed for a transaction to achieve finality or for a cryptographic puzzle to be solved. It introduces a controlled temporal element into protocol execution. This parameter influences the responsiveness and security properties of a system.
Context ∞ Delay parameters are crucial in various blockchain designs, particularly in mechanisms like Proof of Delay or certain random number generation protocols. The precise calibration of these parameters is a subject of ongoing research and optimization to balance security against user experience. News often mentions adjustments to such parameters in network upgrades, reflecting efforts to enhance system robustness or efficiency.