On-Chain Finality

Definition ∞ On-Chain Finality refers to the point at which a transaction recorded on a blockchain is considered irreversible and permanently added to the ledger. Once achieved, the transaction cannot be altered or removed, providing absolute certainty of settlement. This attribute is fundamental for trust and security in decentralized networks.
Context ∞ On-Chain Finality is a key technical consideration in blockchain design, with different protocols offering varying degrees and types of finality. Discussions often contrast probabilistic finality, where certainty increases over time, with absolute finality, which is immediate. Observing advancements in consensus mechanisms and layer-2 solutions provides insight into efforts to enhance transaction certainty and speed.