Definition ∞ A sublinear proof is a cryptographic proof system where the size of the proof and the time required to verify it are less than linear with respect to the size of the computation being proven. This means verification becomes extremely efficient, even for very large computations. Such proofs are crucial for scaling blockchain networks and enhancing privacy solutions. They allow for verifiable computation without processing all underlying data.
Context ∞ Sublinear proofs, particularly zero-knowledge proofs, are at the forefront of blockchain scalability and privacy research. Discussions often center on optimizing these proofs to further reduce computational overhead and proof size. This area of cryptography is key to enabling advanced functionalities and wider adoption of decentralized technologies.