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Optimal Safety Liveness

Definition

Optimal safety liveness refers to the ideal balance within a distributed system where the network consistently processes and confirms transactions (liveness) while strictly preventing invalid states or double-spends (safety). Achieving this balance is a primary design goal for blockchain protocols, ensuring both operational continuity and data integrity. A system with optimal safety liveness resists attacks and maintains reliable service, even under adverse conditions. It is a critical metric for network resilience.