Definition ∞ Mainnet Throughput measures the total number of transactions that a primary blockchain network can process and confirm within a specific unit of time. This metric is a critical indicator of a blockchain’s performance and scalability. Higher throughput generally implies faster transaction speeds and a greater capacity to handle network demand. It directly influences the user experience and network efficiency.
Context ∞ Mainnet Throughput is a central topic in cryptocurrency news, particularly when discussing the scalability challenges faced by popular blockchains like Ethereum or Bitcoin. Debates often center on how to increase this capacity through various upgrades, such as sharding or layer-2 solutions, to support a growing number of users and decentralized applications. Enhancements in throughput are frequently reported as key developments for network growth and improved affordability.
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