Non-Parallelizable Work

Definition ∞ Non-parallelizable work refers to computational tasks that cannot be divided into smaller, independent parts to be processed simultaneously. These tasks often require sequential execution, where each step depends on the completion of the previous one. In blockchain contexts, this can relate to certain aspects of transaction ordering or state transitions. It limits the extent of concurrent processing within a system.
Context ∞ The concept of non-parallelizable work is relevant in discussions about blockchain scalability and performance limitations. Designing protocols to minimize such sequential dependencies is a core challenge for developers aiming to increase transaction throughput. Research in sharding and other scaling solutions often seeks to identify and mitigate non-parallelizable components to enhance network efficiency.