Schnorr Signatures

Definition ∞ Schnorr signatures are a cryptographic digital signature scheme known for their simplicity, efficiency, and ability to aggregate multiple signatures into a single, compact signature. They offer enhanced privacy and reduced transaction size compared to other signature types, making them particularly beneficial for blockchain networks. This technology improves scalability and allows for more complex smart contract functionalities with greater efficiency.
Context ∞ The adoption of Schnorr signatures, particularly in Bitcoin through the Taproot upgrade, represents a significant advancement for blockchain technology. This implementation improves transaction privacy, reduces data footprint, and enables more sophisticated multi-signature schemes. The ongoing integration of Schnorr signatures across various digital asset protocols is expected to lead to more efficient and private on-chain operations.