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Shared State

Definition

Shared state refers to data or information that is accessible and modifiable by multiple independent entities within a system. In blockchain and distributed systems, shared state represents the common, agreed-upon record of all transactions, account balances, and smart contract conditions that all network participants maintain and validate. This synchronized state is fundamental to ensuring consistency and integrity across a decentralized network, allowing all nodes to operate with the same understanding of the system’s current status. Maintaining this shared state securely and efficiently is a core challenge in blockchain design.