Real-Time Transactions

Definition ∞ Real-time transactions are financial exchanges that are processed and settled almost instantaneously. In the context of digital assets, this refers to the ability to send and receive cryptocurrencies or execute smart contract interactions with minimal delay. High-speed transaction capabilities are crucial for applications requiring immediate finality.
Context ∞ The ongoing development of blockchain technology is largely driven by the pursuit of faster and more efficient real-time transaction processing. Discussions frequently highlight the trade-offs between transaction speed, security, and decentralization, often referred to as the blockchain trilemma. Future advancements are expected to introduce novel consensus mechanisms and Layer 2 scaling solutions that further reduce transaction latency.