Definition ∞ Proximity testing, in a cryptographic context, refers to methods for verifying that a given function or dataset is “close” to a specific target property or class of functions. It involves checking a limited number of points to infer the overall adherence to the desired characteristic. This technique is used in the construction of efficient and robust proof systems.
Context ∞ Within the domain of blockchain and zero-knowledge proofs, proximity testing plays a significant role in ensuring the integrity of complex computations, particularly in systems utilizing probabilistically checkable proofs. It allows for rapid, statistical verification of large datasets or computations, contributing to the efficiency and security of layer-2 scaling solutions. This method helps maintain trust in decentralized systems by verifying computational correctness with minimal overhead.