Definition ∞ A polynomial time verifier is an algorithm or entity capable of confirming the correctness of a cryptographic proof or computation within a time complexity that scales polynomially with the size of the input. This means the verification process remains computationally feasible even for large inputs. It ensures efficient and practical validation of proofs.
Context ∞ The existence of a polynomial time verifier is a fundamental requirement for many cryptographic proof systems, including zero-knowledge proofs, used in blockchain technology. It ensures that while generating a proof might be complex, checking its validity is relatively quick. This efficiency is critical for the scalability and security of decentralized applications and layer-2 solutions.