What is a Hard Fork vs. Soft Fork?. A hard fork changes rules in a way that old software rejects new blocks; a soft fork tightens rules so old software still accepts them.
How it works
Networks coordinate upgrades through proposals, client releases, and activation thresholds. Poor coordination can split the chain.
Why it matters
Fork processes reveal governance maturity and community alignment.
Common pitfalls
- Running outdated clients during upgrades
- Not verifying which chain your wallet follows after a hard fork
- Ignoring replay‑protection details
Quick example
A chain adds a new opcode via soft fork so older nodes remain compatible while newer nodes enforce the extra rule.
See also
- Governance
- Consensus Mechanism
- Node
TL;DR: What is a Hard Fork vs. Soft Fork? defined in plain English with practical next steps.
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