Offchain
Offchain refers to processes, computations, or data storage that occur outside the main blockchain network, typically to improve scalability, privacy, or efficiency. It involves executing transactions or smart contracts off the primary chain and later settling or verifying results on-chain, reducing congestion and costs. This concept is fundamental in blockchain ecosystems to address limitations like slow transaction speeds and high fees.
Developers should learn Offchain techniques when building scalable decentralized applications (dApps) that require high throughput, such as gaming, DeFi, or micropayments, as it helps bypass blockchain bottlenecks. It's also crucial for implementing privacy features, like confidential transactions, by handling sensitive data off-chain before committing hashes or proofs to the mainnet. Understanding Offchain is key for optimizing performance in projects using layer-2 solutions or sidechains.