A hard fork is a significant, non-backwards-compatible change to a blockchain’s protocol that results in a permanent divergence of the chain into two separate networks. This often occurs when developers implement major upgrades or resolve disagreements within the community.
Hard forks can lead to the creation of a new cryptocurrency, as seen in notable splits such as Bitcoin Cash from Bitcoin.
Investors must approach hard forks with caution, as they can create uncertainty and affect the value of the original asset.
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