Stateless Architecture

Definition ∞ Stateless architecture is a system design where no information about past interactions or sessions is retained by the server or processing entity. In computing and blockchain, this means each request or transaction is processed independently, containing all necessary data within itself, without relying on stored session data. This approach enhances scalability, fault tolerance, and simplicity, as any node can process any request at any time. It reduces complexity and improves system resilience.
Context ∞ Stateless architecture is a desirable property for highly scalable and distributed systems, including certain blockchain designs and decentralized applications. Discussions often concern the trade-offs between statelessness and the need for some state management in complex applications. Advancements in zero-knowledge proofs and other cryptographic techniques are enabling more sophisticated stateless computations on-chain, expanding the possibilities for efficient design.