Definition ∞ Fork rate, in blockchain contexts, refers to the frequency at which a blockchain diverges into two or more separate chains due to different nodes validating blocks inconsistently. This can occur from network latency, software updates, or malicious activity. A high fork rate indicates network instability or consensus issues. It impacts transaction finality and network reliability.
Context ∞ News reports on blockchain network health often analyze the fork rate as an indicator of protocol robustness and security. Discussions frequently involve the implications of forks for network upgrades, particularly hard forks that create new chains. A critical future development involves protocol designs that minimize the occurrence of disruptive forks while maintaining decentralization.
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