Impossibility Results

Definition ∞ ‘Impossibility Results’ are theoretical findings in computer science and cryptography that demonstrate certain tasks or properties cannot be achieved under specific conditions. These results establish fundamental limits on what is computationally feasible or cryptographically achievable. They serve to guide research and development by defining boundaries.
Context ∞ Within the cryptocurrency domain, ‘Impossibility Results’ are often cited when discussing the inherent trade-offs in blockchain design, such as the impossibility of achieving perfect scalability, security, and decentralization simultaneously. Discussions frequently revolve around these foundational limitations and their implications for protocol development. Critical future developments involve understanding how new cryptographic techniques might circumvent or redefine these established boundaries.