Impossibility Result

Definition ∞ An Impossibility Result in computer science or cryptography is a theoretical proof demonstrating that a particular problem cannot be solved or a specific task cannot be accomplished under a given set of assumptions or constraints. These results establish fundamental limitations on what is computationally feasible, guiding the design and understanding of secure systems. They are crucial for understanding the boundaries of what can be achieved within a given framework.
Context ∞ In the context of blockchain technology, Impossibility Results often arise in discussions concerning consensus mechanisms, privacy solutions, and the trade-offs between different cryptographic primitives. For instance, certain theoretical results demonstrate the difficulty of achieving perfect anonymity while maintaining efficient transaction processing. Current research and development efforts are frequently aimed at finding practical workarounds or alternative approaches that circumvent these theoretical limitations.