Definition ∞ A message passing model describes a system where independent processes communicate by sending and receiving data packets. In this model, processes do not share memory but interact solely through explicit communication. It defines how information flows and is processed across distributed components. This paradigm is fundamental to many concurrent and distributed computing systems.
Context ∞ The message passing model is central to understanding how nodes in a blockchain network communicate and reach consensus. News articles might refer to it when discussing the efficiency or security of peer-to-peer communication within decentralized networks. Optimizing message passing is a key aspect of improving blockchain scalability and responsiveness.