blocklattice

Blocklattice is a data structure used in some blockchain and distributed ledger technologies. It organizes transactions into blocks, but unlike a traditional linear chain, it forms a lattice structure. This means blocks can have multiple parent blocks, allowing for parallel processing of transactions and potentially increasing transaction throughput and scalability. Each block typically contains a set of transactions and references to its parent blocks. The lattice structure allows new blocks to be added based on different sets of existing blocks, leading to a more complex, interconnected history of transactions. This design aims to overcome the limitations of single-chain architectures by enabling faster confirmation times and higher transaction volumes. Consensus mechanisms in blocklattice systems often need to account for this multi-parent structure to maintain the integrity and security of the ledger. Examples of projects that have explored or implemented blocklattice concepts include IOTA's Tangle and Hedera Hashgraph, though their specific implementations and consensus mechanisms differ. The underlying principle is to move away from a strictly sequential chain to a more dynamic and interconnected system.