Verifiable Outsourced Computation

Definition ∞ Verifiable Outsourced Computation is a cryptographic technique where a party can offload complex computations to an external, untrusted computing service and still mathematically verify the correctness of the results. This is achieved through a proof system that allows the client to efficiently check if the computation was performed accurately. It eliminates the need for the client to trust the external service provider. This approach enhances efficiency and scalability for resource-constrained devices.
Context ∞ Verifiable outsourced computation is a rapidly developing area with significant implications for blockchain scalability and privacy, often discussed in news concerning zero-knowledge proofs and layer-2 solutions. It enables decentralized applications to perform heavy computations off-chain without sacrificing security or trust. Advancements in this field are crucial for expanding the capabilities and adoption of decentralized technologies. The efficiency gains offered by this approach are key to future innovations.