Definition ∞ The optimistic transaction phase is a period where transactions are assumed valid without immediate proof, allowing for later challenge. This phase is a core component of optimistic rollup solutions, designed to increase transaction throughput on layer-2 networks. Transactions are batched and posted to the main chain, but their validity is not instantly verified by cryptographic proofs. Instead, a time window is provided during which any network participant can submit a fraud proof if they detect an invalid transaction, reverting the batch if proven. This approach significantly boosts efficiency by reducing computational overhead for most operations.
Context ∞ Optimistic transaction phases are central to the scalability solutions being adopted by many prominent blockchain ecosystems. News frequently reports on the deployment and performance of optimistic rollups, highlighting their role in alleviating mainnet congestion and reducing transaction costs. The ongoing discussion often concerns the security implications of the dispute window and the efficiency of fraud proof mechanisms.