Proof of Passage

Definition ∞ Proof of Passage is a cryptographic mechanism that verifies a participant has successfully navigated or progressed through a defined sequence of states or operations within a system. This proof attests to the completion of specific steps or milestones without necessarily revealing the details of each step. It provides verifiable evidence of progression, often used in protocols requiring sequential task completion or state transitions. This mechanism enhances the auditability and integrity of multi-step processes.
Context ∞ Proof of Passage finds application in various decentralized protocols, particularly those involving multi-stage processes such as complex smart contract executions or cross-chain transactions. Its relevance in crypto news often pertains to enhancing the security and efficiency of decentralized applications that depend on ordered operations. A critical future development involves the standardization of such proof mechanisms to facilitate interoperability and robust protocol design across different blockchain ecosystems.