Definition ∞ Fork resistance describes a blockchain protocol’s ability to deter or mitigate the occurrence of chain splits, known as forks. This characteristic is achieved through design choices that make it economically or technically disadvantageous for network participants to create competing versions of the ledger. Strong fork resistance helps maintain network consensus and the integrity of the blockchain’s transaction history. It contributes to the stability and security of the distributed system.
Context ∞ Discussions around fork resistance are prominent in blockchain governance and protocol design, particularly concerning proof-of-work versus proof-of-stake systems. News often addresses proposals or upgrades aiming to bolster a network’s resilience against contentious forks. The debate frequently centers on whether a protocol’s design adequately disincentivizes malicious or uncoordinated chain divergences.
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