Orphan Block
Orphan Block Key Points
- An orphan block is a valid block on the blockchain that is not included in the main chain.
- Orphan blocks occur when two miners produce blocks at similar times or due to an attacker attempting to reverse a transaction.
- These blocks are stored in the blockchain network but are not acknowledged as part of the main chain.
- Orphan blocks are not entirely useless; they are often used to help secure the network.
Orphan Block Definition
An orphan block, also known as a stale block, is a block that is not included in the current longest blockchain. This situation typically occurs when two miners solve a block at nearly the same time, resulting in two potential new blocks. The network ultimately accepts only one, rendering the other an orphan block.
What are Orphan Blocks?
Orphan blocks are blocks that are not part of the main blockchain. They occur in proof-of-work blockchain systems when two miners solve a block simultaneously, leading to two competing blocks. The network can only accept one of these blocks to be part of the chain. The block that the majority of the network does not adopt becomes an orphan block.
Who Encounters Orphan Blocks?
Miners primarily encounter orphan blocks within the blockchain network. These blocks represent the miners’ effort that did not become part of the main chain. Blockchain users may also encounter orphan blocks when inspecting the blockchain’s history or when a transaction they are tracking ends up in an orphan block.
When do Orphan Blocks Occur?
Orphan blocks occur when two miners solve a block at the same time, leading to two competing blocks. This usually happens in a decentralized network, where many participants are trying to add new blocks to the blockchain. When the network ultimately chooses one block over the other, the unchosen block becomes an orphan block.
Where are Orphan Blocks Located?
Orphan blocks are located in the blockchain network. Despite not being included in the main chain, these blocks are still stored in the network. This is because they carry proof of the computational work done by the miner and can help in securing the network.
Why do Orphan Blocks Exist?
Orphan blocks exist due to the decentralized nature of the blockchain. As multiple miners try to add new blocks to the chain simultaneously, it’s possible for two miners to solve a block at the same time, leading to two potential new blocks. The network as a whole must then decide which block to accept, resulting in the other becoming an orphan block.
How are Orphan Blocks Handled?
Even though orphan blocks are not part of the main chain, they are not completely disregarded. The network stores these blocks because they carry proof of the computational work done by the miner. They can be used as a form of security, deterring potential attackers who would need to redo the work of the orphan block to alter the blockchain’s history.