Next-Gen Blockchains

Definition ∞ Next-gen blockchains are advanced protocol designs created to overcome the scalability, security, and decentralization limitations observed in earlier blockchain iterations. These newer systems often utilize novel consensus mechanisms, sharding techniques, or Layer 2 solutions to enhance transaction throughput and decrease operational costs. Their purpose is to support a broader range of applications and a larger user base.
Context ∞ News concerning next-gen blockchains consistently highlights their efforts to achieve superior efficiency and wider adoption, frequently comparing their performance metrics to established networks. The ongoing discourse involves identifying which architectural approaches best balance the inherent trade-offs among scalability, security, and decentralization. Competition among these platforms drives progress in transaction processing, smart contract capabilities, and developer tools.