Definition ∞ An ecosystem refers to the interconnected network of participants, technologies, protocols, and applications that operate within a specific blockchain or digital asset environment. This includes developers, users, validators, and service providers, all interacting to create a functional and evolving digital economy. The robustness of an ecosystem is often indicative of a project’s potential for sustained growth and innovation.
Context ∞ The term ‘ecosystem’ is frequently used when discussing the development and expansion of blockchain platforms, such as Ethereum or Solana, and their associated decentralized applications (dApps), DeFi protocols, and NFT marketplaces. Current discussions often revolve around inter-ecosystem compatibility and the competitive landscape among different blockchain networks.