Logarithmic Overhead

Definition ∞ Logarithmic overhead describes a computational cost that increases proportionally to the logarithm of the input size. This efficiency characteristic is highly desirable in computing, particularly for cryptographic proofs and data structures that handle vast amounts of information. It signifies that as the amount of data grows, the additional processing required increases at a much slower rate. Systems with logarithmic overhead scale effectively with larger datasets, optimizing resource usage.
Context ∞ In blockchain technology, achieving logarithmic overhead is a key objective for scaling solutions like zero-knowledge proofs. Reducing verification times and proof sizes to logarithmic scales is central to improving network throughput and accessibility. Future advancements in cryptographic primitives aim to further minimize computational costs, enabling more efficient and scalable decentralized applications and broader adoption.