Finality
Protocol
Point at which a block is effectively irreversible.
Finality is the point where reversing a transaction is no longer practical. Some chains offer a growing probability of finality with more confirmations. Others provide explicit finality after specific checkpoints.
Frequently asked questions
What is probabilistic vs explicit finality?
Probabilistic confidence grows with more confirmations. Explicit finality gives a protocol guarantee after certain checkpoints.How long does finality take?
It depends on the chain. Some finalize within seconds, others rely on deeper confirmation depths.How should apps handle finality?
Delay critical actions until finality, show status to users, and retry safely if reorgs occur.