What is Conflux (CFX)?
- Author
- CRYPTO PORT Editorial
- Published
- Updated
- Reading time
- 6 min
In short
Conflux is a public blockchain designed by researchers in China that launched in 2020. It arranges blocks as a directed graph rather than a single chain — a structure called Tree-Graph — and combines Proof of Work with Proof of Stake. It is notable for operating within China's regulatory environment.
Key points
- A Tree-Graph structure that ingests blocks as a graph and orders them afterwards
- Combines Proof of Work with a Proof of Stake layer that adds finality
- Runs an EVM-compatible environment (eSpace) alongside its native Core Space
- Developed in cooperation with research institutions inside China
Definition
A Proof of Work blockchain that ingests blocks into a directed acyclic graph and derives a total order afterwards to raise throughput.
On a Proof of Work chain, when several blocks appear at once all but one are discarded, wasting the compute and bandwidth behind them and capping throughput. Conflux started from that observation and built a structure that keeps concurrently produced blocks instead of throwing them away.
In Tree-Graph, each block references not only its parent but also other blocks visible at the time. Blocks therefore form a directed acyclic graph, and a predefined rule derives a total order over it. Fewer discarded blocks means more transactions at the same security level, the project argues.
A Proof of Stake layer was later added to strengthen finality. Votes from stakers guarantee that blocks beyond a certain depth will not be reverted, compensating for the fact that Proof of Work alone only settles probabilistically.
For applications, the chain offers its native Core Space alongside eSpace, where existing Ethereum tooling works unchanged. Pilot deployments inside China have been publicised, and operating under that country's rules distinguishes it from other public chains.
Watch out for
- · It is exposed to one country's policy environment, where a change of stance directly affects what the project can do
- · Core Space and eSpace use different address formats, and sending to the wrong one can lose funds
- · Tree-Graph differs structurally from other chains, so explorers and audit practices carry different assumptions
Frequently asked questions
How do Core Space and eSpace differ in use?
eSpace works with Ethereum tooling such as MetaMask, while Core Space uses its own address format and wallets. Since the formats differ, always confirm which space an address belongs to before sending.