Protocol Upgrades

Definition ∞ Protocol upgrades are modifications or enhancements made to the underlying rules and code of a blockchain network or decentralized system. These changes are designed to improve functionality, security, scalability, or efficiency. Successful upgrades often require consensus among network participants to be implemented.
Context ∞ Protocol upgrades are a recurring theme in blockchain news, as they can significantly alter a network’s performance, economic incentives, and future development path. Debates often arise concerning the necessity, timing, and potential consequences of these upgrades, including hard forks versus soft forks. Understanding the implications of protocol upgrades is fundamental to assessing the long-term viability and direction of blockchain projects and their associated digital assets.