Definition ∞ An L1 Gas Limit is a parameter on a Layer 1 blockchain that restricts the maximum amount of computational effort, or “gas,” a single transaction can consume. This mechanism prevents network congestion and denial-of-service attacks by capping the resources a transaction can utilize. Setting an appropriate gas limit is crucial for successful transaction execution and managing network fees.
Context ∞ The discussion around L1 Gas Limits is particularly relevant during periods of high network activity, where transaction fees can escalate dramatically due to limited block space. Debates often arise concerning the optimal gas limit settings to balance transaction throughput with network stability and user affordability. Developments in Layer 2 scaling solutions aim to alleviate some of these constraints, but L1 gas dynamics remain a focal point for understanding network performance and cost implications.