Definition
A fork in blockchain is a change in the shared rules or state of a blockchain network that causes the chain to split into two possible paths. It happens when participants in the network do not follow exactly the same version of the rules or ledger, creating separate histories that may or may not later align.
In Simple Terms
A fork is a split in a blockchain’s path when the network’s participants are not all following the same rules. This split creates two versions of the chain, each recording its own sequence of blocks, depending on which rules different participants accept.
Context and Usage
The term fork is commonly used when discussing updates to blockchain protocols, disagreements over network rules, or changes in how blocks are accepted. It appears in conversations about network governance, protocol design, and coordination between nodes, especially when describing how consensus can diverge or remain unified during rule changes.