Definition ∞ Front running strategies involve observing pending transactions on a blockchain and then executing a new transaction with a higher fee to ensure it is processed before the original, profiting from the anticipated price movement. This practice exploits the transparency of public mempools and the sequential nature of block production. It represents a form of market manipulation within decentralized systems.
Context ∞ Front running is a persistent concern in decentralized finance (DeFi) and is a frequent topic in crypto news, particularly when discussing market fairness and protocol security. Efforts to mitigate front running often involve technical solutions within blockchain protocols, such as encrypted transaction pools or more sophisticated transaction ordering mechanisms. The ongoing debate centers on balancing transparency with protection against exploitative trading practices.