Definition ∞ An FCFS guarantee, or First-Come, First-Served guarantee, ensures that transactions or requests are processed in the strict order they are received. This mechanism prioritizes fairness by preventing arbitrary reordering or preferential treatment. In blockchain contexts, it aims to mitigate front-running and other forms of order manipulation. It promotes transparent execution.
Context ∞ The application of FCFS guarantees in decentralized systems is often debated in relation to transaction ordering and miner extractable value (MEV). Discussions consider its efficacy in preventing predatory practices while balancing network efficiency and decentralization principles. Future protocol designs may further integrate or refine FCFS elements to enhance transactional fairness and predictability.