There are stances taking place regarding technological advancements each day. Software users are often aware that for the efficiency of their programs, there is a need for constant maintenance and upgrades. Blockchain technology also operates with the same updates and improvement mechanisms.
However, blockchains are decentralized, open-source systems with no centralized power. As a result, all users in the network should agree if there is to be updating of the system. A fork comes as a unique way of updating or improving a blockchain.
Depending on different functions, forks can be either soft or hard forks.
Therefore, we will look at what it is like to have a blockchain fork and understand the differences between the two forks.
Blockchain Forks
A blockchain constitutes a collection of data blocks that come together using cryptographic keys to build a chain of blocks. The blocks are mostly connected, and any change to the system needs a consensus across the blocks. Their consensus is primarily impossible as the blocks are together due to unaltered protocols.
Thus, forks come in handy instead of altering the whole system and recreating each block. Forks make the necessary modifications to a blockchain.
Therefore, a fork is an action of copying the initial programming of a blockchain platform and making the required modifications to it.
Additionally, two blockchain platforms cannot coexist. As such, the new blockchain separates into two branches after a fork. Consequently, there is a fork-like deflection from the primary blockchain.
The members of a blockchain platform decide on the steps of making the necessary modifications. The aim is always to enhance overall system functionality and efficiency.
A Hard Fork
A hard fork constitutes an essential upgrade that makes previous transactions and blocks either valid or invalid. With a hard fork, it is vital for all validators in the specific network to upgrade to a newer version. A hard fork is a version that is backward-incompatible. Therefore, the older version sees the new one as invalid.
In most cases, a hard fork leads to a permanent chain separation, as the new version is not compatible with the older one. As such, it means the creation of a fork where one path keeps following its current set of rules while the second path follows a new set of rules.
Hard forks are seen as dangerous, with the chain split that happens. For instance, if the split happens between the miners and the nodes, there is the possibility that the network will end up becoming insecure and vulnerable to attacks.
Hard forks are necessary to improve the network as blockchain tech is evolving in a continuing trend. A hard fork can happen due to different reasons:
Adds functionality to the network
Corrects security risks.
Resolves a disagreement within a cryptocurrency community
Reserve transactions on the blockchain.
It is, however, essential to note that hard forks can happen by accident. It occurs when two miners find the same block at a similar time.
During consensus distribution, miners see the block as valid and keep mining on different chains. In the end, they or another miner adds a subsequent block.
Soft Forks
A soft fork constitutes a rule modification that is forward-compatible. In such a case, the old blockchain keeps accepting blocks from the new advanced blockchain platform. Such alterations are a result of a new upgrade.
In simpler terms, a soft fork gives the old blockchain network a conviction to accept the altered rules. Consequently, it allows for upgraded and old blocks of transactions to be accepted.
Additionally, a soft fork retains two lanes with diverse regulations and standards, thus keeping the old blockchain alive.
Final Thoughts
There is a need for different upgrades seen in various blockchain networks. Therefore, hard and soft forks are vital as they allow changes to decentralized software without altering a central authority.
Without forks, networks may not adopt new features that necessitate a centralized system for total control.
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