Forks
A fork is when a blockchain makes changes to its protocol: the basic rulebook that determines how it operates.
By Geoffrey Lyons
Published on Nov 8, 2024
Last modified on Feb 26, 2026

A fork is when a blockchain makes changes to its protocol: the basic rulebook that determines how it operates.
If the changes are major it’s called a hard fork. If they’re minor it’s called a soft fork.
Sign up to our weekly MoonPay Minute newsletter
Diversion ahead
Think of a blockchain like a railroad track. Now imagine the track splits slightly to the right but maintains a forward path parallel to the original track.

