Definition ∞ Super Linear Complexity characterizes an algorithm or system where its resource consumption, such as time or memory, grows at a rate faster than linear with respect to the size of the input. This indicates that as the input scales, the computational burden increases disproportionately. It signifies a non-trivial scaling challenge. This growth pattern can limit practical applications.
Context ∞ In blockchain and distributed ledger technologies, super linear complexity in certain operations can pose significant scalability challenges, limiting transaction throughput or increasing validation costs. News discussing protocol optimizations or the need for more efficient cryptographic primitives often addresses the mitigation of super linear complexity to enhance network performance. Overcoming this is vital for mass adoption.