Stateless Computation

Definition ∞ Stateless computation refers to operations that do not rely on or alter any stored information from previous interactions. In the context of blockchain and smart contracts, a stateless computation processes inputs to produce outputs without needing to access or update the persistent state of the ledger during its execution. Each computation is self-contained, with all necessary data provided as explicit inputs. This approach simplifies verification, enhances parallel processing capabilities, and reduces the complexity of maintaining distributed system integrity.
Context ∞ News often discusses stateless computation in relation to blockchain scaling solutions and the design of efficient decentralized applications. Protocols that leverage statelessness can achieve higher transaction throughput and lower latency, as nodes do not need to store or reference extensive historical state data. This architectural choice is a significant factor in improving the performance and scalability of next-generation blockchain platforms.