The term "side chain" is spelled as /saɪd tʃeɪn/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "side," is pronounced with the long "i" sound followed by a "d" consonant. The second syllable, "chain," is pronounced with the "ch" sound followed by a long "a" sound and then a nasal "n" sound. The combination of these two syllables forms the word "side chain," which refers to a chemical structure attached to a core molecule in organic chemistry.
Side chain typically refers to a secondary blockchain that operates alongside the primary blockchain, often being interconnected with it. It functions as an auxiliary network that allows the execution of specific tasks or functions, while still being secured by the main blockchain.
In the context of cryptocurrencies, a side chain acts as a separate branch from the primary blockchain, enabling developers to implement innovative features or protocols without affecting the core infrastructure. It prevents congestion and scalability issues by processing specific transactions or executing specialized smart contracts separately from the main chain. Side chains offer increased flexibility and privacy, as they can have their own unique rules and consensus mechanisms, tailored to suit specific requirements.
By connecting to the main chain, side chains can benefit from the security and reliability of the underlying blockchain network, leveraging its consensus mechanism and inheriting its immutability. They can also allow the transfer of digital assets between the main chain and the side chain, maintaining interoperability between different blockchains.
Side chains are widely used in blockchain ecosystems to enhance performance, introduce new functionalities, enable scalability, and address limitations. They have applications in various industries, including finance, supply chain management, gaming, and decentralized applications (dApps). Side chains play a crucial role in expanding the capabilities of blockchain technology, enabling the development of customized solutions while preserving the integrity of the main chain.
Lateral c., a chain of atoms linked to the benzene ring, or closed-chain compound, by replacement of the H atoms.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "side chain" originates from the field of chemistry. In organic chemistry, a molecule is made up of a central carbon atom (the backbone) that is bonded to other atoms or groups of atoms known as functional groups. The functional groups that are attached to this central carbon atom are referred to as the "side chains". These side chains can significantly affect the properties and reactivity of the overall molecule.
In the context of blockchain technology, the term "side chain" was borrowed to describe a separate blockchain connected to, or branching off from, the main blockchain. It operates alongside the main blockchain, enabling the creation of additional functionalities or features that are not available on the main chain. The analogy drawn to chemistry is the idea of a separate chain (side chain) branching off from the main chain, similar to functional groups branching off from the central carbon atom.