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Scalability Trilemma

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Table of contents
    1. 0.2. Breaking Down the Trilemma
    2. 0.4. Why It Matters

The Scalability Trilemma is a concept that suggests blockchain networks must often sacrifice one of three core qualities, scalability, security, or decentralization, to improve the others.

Breaking Down the Trilemma

Coined by Ethereum’s co-founder Vitalik Buterin, the trilemma highlights the difficulty of achieving all three goals at once. For example, Bitcoin prioritizes security and decentralization but struggles with scalability. Some newer blockchains enhance scalability through faster consensus methods but may become more centralized as a result. Layer 2 solutions, sidechains, and alternative consensus mechanisms attempt to address this balancing act.

Why It Matters

Understanding the scalability trilemma helps developers and users evaluate trade-offs in blockchain design. It also drives innovation as teams explore creative solutions that aim to preserve all three aspects without compromise. The trilemma remains a central issue for the future of blockchain infrastructure and mainstream adoption.