Eventual consistency is a consistency model used in distributed systems to ensure that, given enough time, all copies of the data across the system will become consistent, even if temporary inconsistencies occur. It guarantees that, after a period of time and in the absence of further updates, all nodes in the system will converge to…

The k-parameter on Cardano is a key parameter in its Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism that influences the optimal number of stake pools in the network. It is used to promote decentralization by encouraging ADA holders to delegate their stake to a larger number of independent stake pools, thus preventing centralization around a few dominant pools.…

As the Cardano blockchain continues to grow and evolve, two key concepts that play an important role in improving performance and scalability are concurrency and parallelism. These are critical for optimizing how transactions are processed, especially as more decentralized applications (dApps) and users interact with the network. However, concurrency and parallelism are often misunderstood, so…

Vertical and Horizontal Scaling are two strategies used to increase the performance and capacity of blockchain networks, including Cardano, to handle a growing number of transactions, users, and applications. These scaling approaches are essential for ensuring that the network remains efficient and secure as its usage increases. Vertical Scaling on Cardano Vertical scaling refers to…

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…

Programmable Swaps on Cardano refer to a flexible, automated trading mechanism that allows users to define custom conditions for executing swaps (trades) between assets on the blockchain. These swaps are powered by smart contracts and offer greater control and automation compared to traditional decentralized exchanges (DEXs). Programmable swaps enable users to set up complex trading…

Shor’s Algorithm is a quantum algorithm developed by mathematician Peter Shor in 1994 that efficiently solves two important problems in number theory: integer factorization and discrete logarithms. These problems form the basis of the security of many widely used cryptographic systems, such as RSA (for encryption) and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). On a sufficiently powerful…

Quantum-safe algorithms (also known as post-quantum cryptographic algorithms) are cryptographic algorithms designed to be secure against attacks by quantum computers. These algorithms aim to protect data from the potential threats posed by the powerful computational abilities of quantum computers, which could break many of the cryptographic systems used today. Quantum computers leverage the principles of…

A hash-based encryption algorithm refers to a cryptographic technique that uses hash functions in conjunction with encryption processes. While hash functions themselves do not perform encryption (since they are one-way functions), they are often used as part of encryption systems to ensure data integrity, verify identities, or create cryptographic keys. In cryptography, hash functions are…

Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) is a property of distributed systems that allows them to reach consensus even if some participants (nodes) are acting maliciously or failing to function properly. This concept is derived from the Byzantine Generals Problem, which illustrates the challenge of achieving agreement among participants when some may send…