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Crypto Terms:  Letter S
Jul 07, 2023 |
updated: Apr 02, 2024

What is Shard Chain?

Shard Chain Meaning:
Shard Chain - Shard Chain, or sharding, defines the process of taking a database within a network and splitting it horizontally into shards.
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Let's find out Shard Chain meaning, definition in crypto, what is Shard Chain, and all other detailed facts.

Shard Chain, also known as sharding in the field of computer science, happens when a blockchain is split into smaller portions also known as shards. Essentially, shard chains are a scaling option for blockchain-based platforms.

Let’s take the Ethereum network as an example. By splitting it into shards, Ethereum hopes to combat the scaling problem. This way each shard will have a set of accounts balances and smart contracts because each shard contains many of its own independent states.

In Ethereum’s case, the implementation of shard chains is the most complex solution the company has taken to scale the network. 

As mentioned above, when it comes to cryptocurrencies, sharding is a possible solution to the scalability problem since this process has the capability to amplify the number of transactions per second. Additionally, it can fix certain network congestion issues. 

It’s important to note that the shards don’t contain all of the data. This information can still be shared between various nodes and all entries on the public ledger are visible thus keeping the blockchain secure and decentralized.

The scalability problem can be countered by either increasing the database in size or by sharding. Unlike the former, validators within shard chains don’t require powerful and high-priced computers. The main advantage of choosing the sharding solution is that the network will remain easily accessible and decentralized which is the selling point of any blockchain.