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Optimistic Transaction Phase

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.