Definition ∞ A Folding Protocol refers to a cryptographic mechanism that compresses multiple proofs into a single, succinct proof, allowing for efficient verification of a long sequence of computations. This technique reduces the computational cost and data size associated with verifying complex or recursive operations on a blockchain. It is particularly relevant in scaling solutions where many transactions or state transitions require proof. The protocol aggregates verification work, improving system throughput.
Context ∞ Folding protocols are a prominent topic in the discourse on blockchain scalability and privacy-enhancing technologies, especially within zero-knowledge proof systems. Researchers are actively developing and refining various folding schemes to optimize performance and reduce latency. A critical future development involves their widespread integration into layer-2 solutions and privacy-preserving applications to achieve higher transaction volumes.