Definition
Off-chain refers to any data, activity, transaction, or computation that occurs outside a blockchain’s native ledger and consensus process. It describes information or operations that are not directly recorded in on-chain blocks, even if they are later referenced or settled on-chain. The term is used to distinguish external systems, records, or interactions from the blockchain’s own state and transaction history.
In Simple Terms
Off-chain means happening outside the blockchain. It covers data and actions that are not written directly into blockchain blocks, even if they are later connected back to the chain. It is a way to describe everything that interacts with a blockchain but does not live fully inside its main record.
Context and Usage
The term off-chain is commonly used when separating blockchain state from external data sources, services, or records. It appears in discussions about scalability, data storage, and external information feeds that interact with smart contracts. It also helps distinguish between what is secured by blockchain consensus and what depends on outside systems, agreements, or infrastructure.