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Throughput
Throughput on Cardano refers to the number of transactions the network can process in a given time period, typically measured as transactions per second (TPS). It is a key performance metric that indicates how efficiently and quickly the blockchain can handle transactions. High throughput is essential for ensuring that the network can scale and accommodate…
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Faucet (Cardano)
A faucet on the Cardano blockchain is a service or application that provides users with small amounts of test ADA (tADA) or other Cardano native tokens for free. These faucets are primarily used in testnets—the blockchain networks used for testing before deploying to the Cardano mainnet. Faucets help developers and users experiment with transactions, smart…
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Nakamoto Coefficient
The Nakamoto Coefficient is a metric used to measure the decentralization of a blockchain or distributed system. It represents the minimum number of entities (such as validators, miners, or nodes) required to disrupt the network’s consensus, effectively gaining control or halting the system. The higher the Nakamoto Coefficient, the more decentralized and secure the system…
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Mithril
Mithril is a stake-based signature protocol developed for the Cardano blockchain to improve the speed and efficiency of syncing nodes, especially in light client applications, without compromising security or decentralization. Mithril is designed to make it easier for users to access and interact with the Cardano network by enabling faster bootstrapping of nodes while maintaining…
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Record-keeping models
Record-keeping models refer to the frameworks or methods used by blockchain systems (and other digital platforms) to maintain, track, and validate data or transactions in a transparent and verifiable manner. These models ensure that records, such as financial transactions, ownership of assets, or legal agreements, are accurately captured and remain immutable over time. Blockchain technologies,…
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Bitcoin Ordinals
Bitcoin Ordinals is a protocol that allows users to assign unique identifiers to individual satoshis (the smallest unit of Bitcoin) and attach digital content, such as images, text, or videos, to them. This process is called inscription, and it enables non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and other types of digital assets to be created and traded directly…
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Coinbase Transaction
A coinbase transaction is the first transaction in a newly created block on a blockchain, and it is used to reward the block producer (miner or validator) for successfully creating and adding the block to the blockchain. This transaction is special because it creates new cryptocurrency out of thin air, which is the mechanism by…
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Block Structure (Cardano)
Cardano’s block structure refers to the organization and format of data within a block in the Cardano blockchain. Each block contains several key components, including transaction data, metadata, and cryptographic proofs, which collectively enable the secure and verifiable operation of the blockchain. Cardano’s block structure is designed to be efficient and scalable, leveraging its Ouroboros…
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Verifiable Random Functions (VRF)
A Verifiable Random Function (VRF) is a cryptographic tool used in Cardano to ensure fairness and security in the process of selecting slot leaders within the network’s Ouroboros Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. VRFs generate a random and verifiable output that helps Cardano choose which stake pool will produce the next block, ensuring that the selection…
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Longest Chain Rule
The Longest Chain Rule is a fundamental concept in blockchain consensus mechanisms, particularly in Proof of Work (PoW) systems like Bitcoin. It states that the valid blockchain is the one that has the most accumulated work, meaning the chain with the most blocks or the greatest amount of computational power (difficulty) invested in it. In…
