Query Integrity

Definition ∞ Query integrity refers to the assurance that data retrieved from a database or distributed system, such as a blockchain, is accurate, complete, and has not been tampered with. It ensures that the results of a data request faithfully represent the stored information, free from unauthorized modifications or errors. Maintaining query integrity is crucial for reliable decision-making and verification in data-intensive applications.
Context ∞ In blockchain and decentralized data systems, ensuring query integrity is paramount for applications that rely on external data or cross-chain information. Oracles, which provide off-chain data to smart contracts, are central to this discussion, as their data feeds must be verifiably accurate. Ongoing research focuses on cryptographic proofs and decentralized oracle networks to strengthen the trustworthiness of data queries within the digital asset ecosystem.