Iterative Method

Definition ∞ An iterative method is a mathematical or computational procedure that repeatedly applies a process to generate a sequence of approximations. Each step in the sequence uses the result from the previous step to produce a more refined outcome. This continues until a desired level of accuracy is achieved or a specific condition is met. Such methods are widely used for solving problems that lack direct solutions.
Context ∞ In the context of blockchain and cryptographic algorithms, iterative methods are often applied in various computational processes, including consensus mechanisms and proof generation. For instance, some cryptographic proofs or optimization algorithms may rely on repeated calculations to converge on a valid result. The efficiency of these iterative processes directly impacts the performance and resource consumption of decentralized systems.