Chain Split

Chain split is the name of the event when the new fork appears in the main blockchain. Sometimes, there may be chain splits in a blockchain network because of the arguments for the particular blockchain. This chain splits, or forks use the same in the main blockchain because most of the well-known blockchains have open source codes.

Learn more about forks in blockchains.

Chain splits can happen for:

• Improving the blockchain with the new adjustments such as increasing the supply of the coin
• A disagreement on the principles in the applications of the blockchain.
• Security reasons.

Types of Chain Splits

There are two types of forks when the chain split happens:

• Hard fork: The hard fork is a radical change in the blockchain network. It leads to a direct separation in the chain where the new network is not backward compatible with the blockchain network is separated from. Generally, when a chain split happens in the blockchain, it is the hard fork.
• Soft Fork: Note that soft forks actually do not split a chain, but update the existing version and create new rules in it. The soft fork can add features and updates to the blockchain, and also it is backward compatible compared to the hard fork. If it is arguments happen in the blockchain community, the hard fork may happen.

Examples of Chain Splits

• Ethereum Classic: After a hacking incident in 2016, it is decided in the Ethereum community that a hard fork is needed. The chain separated from the Ethereum kept the name, and the original blockchain is named Ethereum classic. Ethereum Classic and Ethereum
• LiteCoin: Litecoin was chain split from Bitcoin. It used different hashes for encryption. Moreover, Litecoin has a faster time for block generation compared to Bitcoin, which allows users to mine faster. Litecoin was one of the first altcoins that appeared in the cryptocurrency market.
• Dogecoin: Dogecoin was a fork of Litecoin, which already chain split cryptocurrency of Bitcoin. It is one of the famous coins in the market, and it was developed as a parody of the other forks.