Definition ∞ Protocol confirmation rules are the established guidelines within a blockchain network that dictate when a transaction is considered finalized and secure. These rules specify the number of block confirmations required for a transaction to be deemed irreversible and resistant to reorganization attacks. The exact number varies by protocol, influencing the speed and security guarantees of transactions. A higher number of confirmations generally provides greater security assurance, but also results in longer transaction finality times. These rules are fundamental to the integrity of the distributed ledger.
Context ∞ Discussions about network security, transaction speeds, and the trade-offs between them often involve protocol confirmation rules, particularly in news concerning network upgrades or new blockchain developments. Understanding these rules is essential for users and applications that rely on the immutability of on-chain data. The ongoing optimization of these rules seeks to balance security with user experience and network throughput.
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