solana-specific
Proof of History (PoH)
A cryptographic timing mechanism that gives transactions a verifiable order — Solana's core innovation for high speed.
Proof of History (PoH)
Proof of History is a mechanism developed by Solana founder Anatoly Yakovenko that acts as a cryptographic clock. It produces a verifiable sequence of timestamps, allowing the order of transactions to be proven without validators needing to coordinate.
How Does It Work?
PoH uses a sequential hash function (SHA-256), where each output serves as input for the next hash. This creates a chain where the order is mathematically provable.
Why Does It Matter?
In traditional blockchains, validators must communicate to agree on transaction ordering — which takes time. With PoH, the order is already proven, making Solana significantly faster.
Related Terms
Proof of Stake Validator Consensus