Finality Conditions

Definition ∞ Finality Conditions refer to the specific criteria that, once met, ensure a transaction on a blockchain cannot be reversed or altered. This signifies that the transaction is permanently recorded and universally accepted by the network. Different consensus mechanisms achieve finality through varying processes and timeframes.
Context ∞ The speed and certainty of finality conditions are a key differentiator among various blockchain protocols, frequently discussed in crypto news concerning transaction efficiency and security. Fast finality is highly desirable for applications requiring quick settlement, such as payments and high-frequency trading. The robustness of these conditions directly impacts the trust and reliability placed in a blockchain’s transactional integrity.