Definition ∞ High concurrency means a system can handle many operations or transactions happening simultaneously. In the context of blockchain and distributed systems, high concurrency indicates the ability of a network or protocol to process a large number of independent transactions or computations at the same time. This capability is critical for achieving high transaction throughput and scalability, enabling the system to support a substantial user base and complex decentralized applications. It addresses the challenge of processing parallel requests efficiently.
Context ∞ Achieving high concurrency without compromising security or decentralization is a central technical challenge for many next-generation blockchain platforms. Solutions often involve sharding, parallel transaction execution, or novel consensus mechanisms. The ongoing debate concerns the optimal architectural approaches to maximize concurrent processing while maintaining the integrity and robustness of the distributed ledger.