Definition ∞ Transaction order flow refers to the sequence and stream of pending transactions submitted to a blockchain network before they are included in a block. This flow is often publicly visible in a mempool, allowing block producers and other actors to observe and potentially reorder transactions. Understanding order flow is crucial for analyzing market dynamics and identifying opportunities for Miner Extractable Value (MEV). It represents the raw input for block construction.
Context ∞ Transaction order flow is a fundamental concept in blockchain economics and is extensively discussed in crypto news, especially concerning its implications for market fairness and MEV. The current debate involves strategies to manage and obscure this flow, such as private transaction relays and encrypted mempools, to protect users from predatory trading. Future protocol designs are aiming to decentralize control over transaction ordering, creating a more equitable and transparent environment for all network participants.