What is the meaning of hard fork in the context of cryptocurrency?

3 answers

• Haransh SinghMay 22, 2024 · a year ago
  A hard fork in cryptocurrency refers to a significant change in the protocol of a blockchain network. It occurs when the existing codebase of a cryptocurrency is modified in a way that is not backward-compatible. This means that the new version of the cryptocurrency is not compatible with the older version, resulting in a split in the blockchain. The community then has to decide whether to adopt the new version or continue using the old version. Hard forks can be contentious and often lead to the creation of a new cryptocurrency. They can also be planned upgrades to improve the functionality or security of the network.
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• JoshephAug 04, 2021 · 4 years ago
  So, imagine you have a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. A hard fork would be like a fork in the road, where the blockchain splits into two separate paths. One path continues with the existing rules and the other takes a new direction with different rules. This can happen due to disagreements within the community or as a planned upgrade. The impact of a hard fork can be significant, as it can create two separate cryptocurrencies and cause confusion among users and investors. It's important for cryptocurrency holders to be aware of any upcoming hard forks and understand the implications for their investments.
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• Aaron SantiagoJun 13, 2025 · 2 months ago
  In the context of cryptocurrency, a hard fork is a major change to the protocol of a blockchain network. It can be initiated by developers or the community and often involves introducing new features or fixing security vulnerabilities. When a hard fork occurs, it creates a divergence in the blockchain, resulting in two separate chains with different rules. This can lead to the creation of a new cryptocurrency, as seen with Bitcoin Cash, which was created through a hard fork of Bitcoin. Hard forks can be controversial and can cause disagreements within the community, but they are also a way to innovate and improve the technology behind cryptocurrencies.
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