What Is a Blockchain Fork? Hard Fork vs. Soft Fork Explained

The world of blockchain is filled with technical terms that may seem overwhelming at first. One such term is “fork.” If you’ve ever wondered what a blockchain fork is, why it happens, and how it impacts the crypto ecosystem, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down the concept of blockchain forks in plain English, compare hard forks vs. soft forks , and show you real-life examples to understand their importance. Whether you're a crypto newbie or a seasoned HODLer, you'll walk away with practical knowledge you can apply. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What Is a Blockchain Fork? A blockchain fork occurs when there is a change in the protocol — the rules that govern how transactions are validated or how blocks are created. Think of the blockchain as a shared rulebook. When the rules are changed — either slightly or significantly — a fork occurs. -----------------...