Sequential Computation

Definition ∞ Sequential computation is a process where operations are performed one after another in a defined order. In contrast to parallel processing, each step must be completed before the next can begin. This method is fundamental to many algorithms and system designs, including those underpinning smart contract execution.
Context ∞ Discussions regarding sequential computation in blockchain technology often arise in the context of transaction processing and smart contract execution efficiency. Improving sequential processing capabilities without compromising security or decentralization remains a key area of research and development for many networks.

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→Time Lock Puzzle

→Algebraic Assumptions

→Constant Time Verification

Constant-Time Verifiable Delay Function Unlocks Practical Decentralized Randomness

A novel VDF construction achieves $O(1)$ verification by leveraging time-lock puzzles, fundamentally accelerating trustless on-chain randomness.

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→Constant Size Proofs

→Cryptographic Primitive

→Sequential Computation

Constant-Size Timed Signatures Revolutionize Verifiable Future Transaction Execution

This new VTS primitive achieves constant-size proof overhead using RSA and TVDF, fundamentally unlocking efficient time-locked on-chain applications.

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→Multi Exponentiations

→Zero-Knowledge Proofs

→Folding Schemes

Folding Schemes Enable Fastest Recursive Zero-Knowledge Arguments

The Nova folding scheme dramatically accelerates verifiable computation by deferring all intermediate proof checks into a single, succinct final argument.

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→Random Oracle Model

→Delay Function Security

→Cryptographic Model

Verifiable Delay Functions Fail Random Oracle Model Security

Foundational VDF security is disproven in the Random Oracle Model, forcing all future randomness and fair ordering protocols to rely on stronger, structured assumptions.

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→Time-Lock Security

→Sequential Hashing

→Fair Transaction Ordering

Proof-of-Sequential-Work Secures Low-Latency Randomness and Optimal Time-Lock Security

A new Proof-of-Sequential-Work primitive fundamentally optimizes Verifiable Delay Functions, enabling robust, low-latency on-chain randomness.

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→Grinding Attacks

→On-Chain Fairness

→Attack Cost Multiplier

Verifiable Delay Functions Secure Consensus Randomness with Provable Delay

VDFs are sequential cryptographic timekeepers that make randomness manipulation computationally prohibitive, enhancing Proof-of-Stake security and finality.

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→Proof-of-Stake Security

→Decentralized Randomness

→Asymmetric Computation

Cryptographic Sequential Delay Secures Decentralized Randomness Beacons

Verifiable Delay Functions introduce cryptographically enforced sequential time, preventing parallel computation and eliminating randomness bias in Proof-of-Stake leader election.

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→Cryptographic Primitive

→Public Randomness Beacon

→RSA Group

Cryptanalysis Exposes Flaw in Verifiable Delay Function Security

Cryptanalysis revealed that parallel computation bypasses the sequential time delay in VDFs, challenging the security of verifiable randomness primitives.

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→Time-Lock Puzzles

→Verifiable Delay Functions

→Collaborative Cryptography

Collaborative VDFs Enable Multi-Party Time-Lock and Fair Decentralized Protocols

Collaborative Verifiable Delay Functions introduce a new primitive for joint, publicly verifiable time-delay, securing fair multi-party mechanism design.