Prefix Chain Structure

Definition ∞ Prefix chain structure refers to a specific architectural design in some blockchain systems where blocks are organized such that each block contains a reference to its preceding block, forming a linear sequence. This structure ensures the chronological order and immutability of transactions, as altering a block would necessitate recalculating all subsequent blocks. It forms the foundational data arrangement for many distributed ledgers.
Context ∞ Understanding the prefix chain structure is fundamental to comprehending the security and data integrity principles often discussed in crypto news. This design is central to how blockchains maintain a tamper-evident record of transactions. Debates around scaling solutions often address how to maintain the benefits of this structure while increasing transaction throughput.