Definition ∞ FCFS enforcement refers to the implementation of a “first-come, first-served” principle in processing requests or transactions. This mechanism ensures that actions are executed in the exact order they are received, preventing preferential treatment or front-running in certain systems. In blockchain contexts, it relates to how transactions are ordered and included in blocks, often influenced by transaction fees and miner incentives. Strict FCFS enforcement aims to promote fairness and predictability in resource allocation or transaction sequencing.
Context ∞ FCFS enforcement is a significant topic in discussions surrounding blockchain transaction ordering and the mitigation of miner extractable value (MEV). The current situation often involves debates on how to achieve true FCFS in decentralized networks where block producers have discretion over transaction inclusion. A critical future development is the exploration of various protocol designs and consensus mechanisms that can more effectively guarantee fair transaction ordering.