Lower Bounds

Definition ∞ Lower bounds, in a computational or cryptographic context, refer to the theoretical minimum resources required to perform a specific task or break a particular security scheme. It defines the minimum computational effort, time, or memory necessary. Establishing lower bounds is crucial for assessing the efficiency and security of algorithms.
Context ∞ In crypto news, discussions of lower bounds often appear in articles concerning the security of cryptographic protocols or the efficiency of consensus mechanisms. For instance, researchers might discuss the lower bound for computational power needed to attack a proof-of-work chain. Understanding these theoretical limits helps in evaluating the robustness and scalability claims of new blockchain technologies.