Memory Access Consistency

Definition ∞ Memory access consistency is a property in distributed or concurrent computing systems that ensures all processing units observe memory operations in a uniform and predictable order. In blockchain, this relates to the reliable and ordered execution of smart contract code and the consistent updating of the global state across different network nodes. It guarantees that all participants perceive the same sequence of events. This is crucial for maintaining system integrity.
Context ∞ Maintaining memory access consistency is fundamental for the integrity and determinism of blockchain state transitions, particularly in environments designed for parallel transaction processing. Ensuring consistent state across a decentralized network is a critical challenge for achieving high scalability without compromising security or correctness. This concept is a core consideration in the design of high-performance blockchain virtual machines.