Data sharding is a method used to improve the performance and scalability of blockchain networks. It involves breaking down the entire database of transactions into smaller, manageable pieces called “shards.” Each shard contains a portion of the overall data, allowing different segments of the network to process transactions simultaneously.By using sharding, a blockchain can handle a larger volume of transactions without overloading a single node. This parallel processing makes the network faster and more efficient, as each shard can be processed independently. Sharding also helps in reducing the storage requirements for individual nodes. Instead of maintaining the entire blockchain, nodes can store just the data relevant to their assigned shard. This allows more users to participate as validators or nodes, enhancing decentralization.Overall, data sharding addresses scalability issues faced by many blockchain systems, enabling them to support a growing number of users and transactions without compromising speed or efficiency.