Sharding
Sharding is a scalability technique that breaks a blockchain network into smaller, more manageable pieces called “shards,” allowing it to process more transactions in parallel.
How Sharding Works
Instead of having every node in the network process every transaction, sharding assigns subsets of data to specific shards. Each shard operates as a mini-blockchain with its own data and smart contracts, but they all remain part of the larger ecosystem. Cross-shard communication ensures that the network stays connected and consistent.
Why Sharding Matters
Sharding significantly boosts blockchain scalability by reducing congestion and distributing workload across the network. It’s especially important for platforms like Ethereum, which aim to support high-throughput decentralized applications. By enabling parallel processing, sharding helps blockchains grow without sacrificing decentralization or security.