Transformer Models

Definition ∞ Transformer models are a type of neural network architecture widely used for processing sequential data, particularly in natural language processing. They utilize self-attention mechanisms to weigh the significance of different parts of the input sequence, allowing them to capture long-range dependencies effectively. This design has significantly advanced fields like machine translation, text generation, and sentiment analysis. While primarily in AI, their principles of processing complex, relational data could influence blockchain data analysis or smart contract verification.
Context ∞ The discussion surrounding Transformer models in the broader technology landscape focuses on their remarkable capabilities in large language models and their potential for general AI. In crypto, their application is still nascent but could extend to analyzing complex blockchain transaction patterns or optimizing smart contract code. A future development to watch involves adapting these powerful models for decentralized computing environments, addressing computational costs and data privacy.