Definition ∞ In cryptography, round complexity refers to the number of communication rounds exchanged between a prover and a verifier in an interactive proof system. A lower round complexity generally indicates a more efficient protocol, as fewer interactions reduce latency and computational overhead. Minimizing rounds is a critical design goal for cryptographic protocols, especially in resource-constrained or latency-sensitive environments. This metric directly impacts the practicality of a proof system.
Context ∞ The discourse surrounding round complexity often focuses on its importance for the practical deployment of advanced cryptographic techniques, such as zero-knowledge proofs, in blockchain applications. A key debate involves achieving the lowest possible round complexity while maintaining robust security guarantees and proof size efficiency. Future developments are concentrated on constructing new proof systems that offer constant or even zero-round interactions, further enhancing their utility for scalable decentralized systems.
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