What is Chain Split?

Updates to the blockchain are called forks. The term chain split is also used to describe the forking in the blockchain. Many cryptocurrencies have emerged in blockchains that have undergone chain split. In this article, you can find the answer to the question of what is chain split.

What is Chain Split?

Chain split refers to a fork in a blockchain network. As a result of the chain split, a new blockchain is formed by forking the existing network. The concept of fork describes how the source code continues to work after a certain point, with newly added, changed or deleted functions. These changes are divided into hard fork and soft fork. Soft forks that occur as a result of chain splits in the blockchain are updates that are compatible with old wallets and software. The software used to connect to the wallet or blockchain can be processed without updating. Only newly added features cannot be used. For hard forks, updating software and wallets is mandatory. Wallets that haven’t been updated will not be able to reach blocks after the hard fork.

The Importance of Chain Split in the Blockchain Ecosystem

With chain split, new cryptocurrencies can be created. As a result of forking in cryptocurrencies with high market volume such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, different cryptocurrencies have emerged. Blockchain forks play an important role in the development of the current blockchain. The fact that there may be different opinions among users on the blockchain network can create a chain split. The opinions of the users in the network and the disagreements that arise can reveal the current problems of the network and lay the groundwork for the creation of studies and updates on these problems.