Light Clients

Definition ∞ Light clients, also known as lightweight clients, are software applications that interact with a blockchain network without needing to download or store the entire ledger history. They achieve this by relying on full nodes for verification, often using techniques like Simplified Payment Verification (SPV). This design significantly reduces the resource requirements for users.
Context ∞ The development and adoption of light clients are central to improving the accessibility and usability of blockchain networks for everyday users. News reports may discuss advancements in light client technology, their integration into mobile wallets, or their role in enhancing user privacy and transaction speed. Understanding light clients is important for appreciating how decentralized applications can reach a broader audience without demanding extensive computational resources from end-users.