What is Soft Fork?

Question

What is Soft Fork?

Accepted Answer

A **Soft Fork** is a backward-compatible change to a blockchain's protocol rules, meaning that nodes running the older version of the software will still recognize blocks produced by the new, upgraded software as valid. This mechanism allows for the implementation of new features or rule changes, such as the Segregated Witness (SegWit) upgrade on Bitcoin, without requiring a mandatory, network-wide upgrade from all participants, thus maintaining a single chain.

Soft Fork

What is Soft Fork?

What is the primary difference between a Soft Fork and a Hard Fork, and what are the implications for network participants?

How does the backward compatibility of a Soft Fork function technically, and why is it considered less disruptive than a Hard Fork?

What are the most significant historical examples of Soft Forks, and what specific improvements did they bring to the network?

When is a Soft Fork the preferred method for a protocol upgrade, and what are the risks associated with its implementation?

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