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Small-Step Semantics System
A Small-Step Semantics system, also known as Operational Semantics, is a formal approach used to describe the behavior of programming languages by breaking down the execution of a program into small, incremental steps. In this system, each small step represents a basic operation or transition from one state of the program to the next, describing…
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Expressive Type System
An expressive type system in programming refers to a type system that provides rich and detailed ways of classifying and describing the data within a program. It goes beyond basic type checking (such as ensuring that variables are of the correct type) and allows for more nuanced types that can encode additional constraints, behaviors, or…
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Ranking Blocks
Ranking blocks on Cardano refer to a part of the Ouroboros Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, where blocks produced by elected leaders are ranked according to certain criteria to ensure proper block selection and chain growth. Ranking helps determine which blocks are considered valid and included in the blockchain, ensuring that the chain grows securely and…
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Provable Security
Provable security on Cardano refers to the use of formal mathematical models and proofs to demonstrate that its consensus algorithm, Ouroboros, and other cryptographic components are secure under certain assumptions. Unlike heuristic or empirical approaches, provable security ensures that the protocol’s security properties can be rigorously analyzed and demonstrated mathematically, offering a higher level of…
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Mainnet and Testnet
In Cardano, the terms Mainnet and Testnet refer to two different blockchain environments used for different purposes: 1. Mainnet The Mainnet is the primary Cardano network where real transactions occur, and the ADA cryptocurrency holds real value. It is the live, fully operational blockchain where all actions (transactions, smart contract deployments, staking, etc.) are permanent…
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Batching
Batching in Cardano refers to the process of grouping multiple transactions or operations together and processing them as a single transaction. This improves the overall efficiency of the network by reducing the computational load and lowering transaction fees. Batching is particularly useful in scenarios like decentralized finance (DeFi), smart contract execution, and when dealing with…
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Game Theory
Game theory is a branch of mathematics that studies strategic interactions between decision-makers (often referred to as players) in situations where the outcome for each participant depends not only on their own decisions but also on the decisions of others. It analyzes how individuals or groups make choices in competitive or cooperative environments, aiming to…
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Lossless and Lossy Compression
Lossless and Lossy Compression in the context of data compression refers to different methods of reducing the size of data. While these techniques are commonly used in digital storage and communication, they are also relevant to blockchain systems like Cardano when optimizing data storage and network efficiency. Let’s break down the two types of compression…
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Ouroboros mini-protocols
Ouroboros mini-protocols are a set of specialized communication protocols designed to support the operation of Ouroboros, the Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism used by Cardano. These mini-protocols manage various aspects of communication between nodes, such as block propagation, transaction submission, and chain synchronization, ensuring efficient and secure consensus across the network. By breaking down the interactions…
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Mini-protocols
Mini-protocols on Cardano are lightweight, specialized communication protocols designed to facilitate specific tasks between nodes in the network. These protocols break down the communication between nodes into simpler, modular components, each responsible for a particular aspect of the interaction, such as transaction propagation, block validation, or stake delegation. This modular approach helps to optimize the…
