Definition ∞ Process Integrity Proof refers to cryptographic assurances that a computational process has executed correctly and without unauthorized alteration. In blockchain and zero-knowledge systems, these proofs allow one party to verify the integrity of a computation performed by another party without re-executing the entire process. This mechanism is crucial for scaling decentralized applications while maintaining trust and security. It confirms the correct execution of complex operations.
Context ∞ Discussions around Process Integrity Proof often appear in news about Layer 2 scaling solutions and privacy-enhancing technologies within the cryptocurrency space. This situation addresses the challenge of verifying off-chain computations efficiently and securely. A critical future development involves the optimization of these proofs to reduce computational overhead and verification time, making them more practical for widespread application. This technology is central to building scalable and verifiable decentralized systems.