Why Does TON Blockchain Require Memo for Transactions? The Difference Between Signal Chain and Traditional Blockchains

When using the TON blockchain, you might notice that certain transactions require something called a memo. At first glance, this might seem like an unnecessary detail, especially if you’re accustomed to other blockchains like Ethereum or Bitcoin, where a simple transaction can be sent with just an address and the amount. So, why does TON need this extra piece of data?

In TON, a memo is an additional message or instruction that can be attached to a transaction. It’s not just an arbitrary feature; it’s crucial in enabling more complex interactions, particularly when dealing with decentralized applications (DApps), smart contracts, or specific instructions for payment routing. Unlike traditional blockchains, where transactions are often singular and straightforward, TON is built with a multi-layered, highly scalable architecture. This includes sharding technology, where the network is divided into smaller chains to manage load more efficiently.

This feature can be compared to a note attached to a delivery package. While the address tells where the package should go, the note provides extra information about what the recipient should do upon receiving it. In the same way, the memo helps the recipient (which could be a smart contract or another wallet) understand the context of the transaction. For example, in decentralized exchanges (DEX) built on the TON blockchain, the memo might carry the specific details of a token swap, such as the exchange rate, the tokens involved, or specific instructions for the recipient. It could also be used in scenarios involving multiple recipients or layered smart contracts, ensuring each party knows what to do with the transaction once it’s received.

This added layer of information becomes essential in transactions involving smart contracts. Smart contracts are self-executing contracts where the terms of the agreement between buyer and seller are directly written into lines of code. However, these contracts need detailed instructions to operate correctly, especially in scenarios involving multiple actions, such as transferring tokens, executing functions, or interacting with other contracts. The memo helps guide these operations by providing necessary instructions.

One of the biggest advantages of this approach is that it allows for flexibility and precision in transaction execution. Traditional blockchains, which focus on simple transfers, may not offer the same level of detail or interaction when dealing with complex systems like DApps. With the TON blockchain, this added flexibility ensures that users and developers can create more intricate financial systems, including decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, token swaps, and even NFT marketplaces.

Signal Chain vs. Traditional Blockchains

TON’s signal chain approach is another factor that sets it apart from traditional blockchains like Bitcoin or Ethereum. In a traditional blockchain, all transactions are recorded in a linear sequence, and every node needs to validate every transaction. While this is secure, it’s not particularly scalable. As the number of users and transactions grows, these blockchains tend to experience bottlenecks, leading to slower processing times and higher transaction fees.

The TON blockchain, however, uses a multi-chain architecture that divides the blockchain into workchains and shardchains. Workchains are responsible for running different types of smart contracts and managing specific transactions, while shardchains handle smaller subsets of these transactions, effectively distributing the load across the network. This allows TON to process many transactions in parallel, improving speed and scalability. The signal chain refers to how information is passed efficiently between different parts of this multi-chain network. Think of it as an advanced communication system that ensures all chains are synchronized and aware of what’s happening across the network​.

Imagine the signal chain as a postal service that manages deliveries across multiple regions. Each region has its own local postal service (shardchain), but they all communicate through a central system (the signal chain) to ensure that messages and packages are sent efficiently and accurately. This coordination prevents bottlenecks, ensuring that the system can scale even as more users join and the number of transactions increases.

One of the major advantages of this system is that it can handle a huge number of transactions per second (up to 104,715 TPS in tests), far surpassing traditional blockchains that struggle with congestion during high traffic periods.

In comparison, Bitcoin processes around 7 transactions per second, and Ethereum handles about 20. The scalability of the TON blockchain is essential for applications that require fast, efficient processing, such as financial services, gaming platforms, or social media networks.

This parallel processing model is key to TON’s ability to scale and meet the growing demands of decentralized applications and Web3 services. With a traditional linear blockchain, every node in the network needs to process every transaction, leading to slowdowns and high transaction costs during times of heavy use. TON’s signal chain eliminates this bottleneck by allowing different parts of the network to handle transactions independently and then synchronize the results across the system​.


My Personal Thoughts on TON’s Memo Feature

From my perspective, the inclusion of a memo in transactions might initially feel like an extra hurdle, but it’s actually a smart design choice given TON’s architecture. As decentralized applications and smart contracts become more complex, having the ability to communicate specific instructions in a transaction is invaluable. It provides clarity and ensures that every part of a multi-step process runs smoothly.

In traditional blockchains, the lack of such detailed instructions can sometimes lead to confusion, especially when interacting with DApps that require multiple signatures or detailed transaction flows. Without a memo, it’s like trying to execute a complicated financial transaction without any context—this could result in errors, missed steps, or even lost assets. TON’s approach, which allows users to append this extra layer of detail, seems to be aimed at preventing these issues from ever arising.

Moreover, the signal chain’s ability to handle high transaction volumes while maintaining efficiency is impressive. Traditional blockchains are often criticized for their sluggish speeds and high fees during peak usage. By using a multi-layered, shard-based system, TON seems to have solved this issue, at least in theory. This could make it a strong contender for mass adoption as decentralized apps and financial tools continue to grow in complexity.

What’s more, the integration of memos with the signal chain architecture ensures that even highly complex transactions can be handled seamlessly. Whether you’re sending funds across borders, interacting with multiple smart contracts, or engaging with decentralized applications, the memo feature ensures that all necessary information is communicated clearly. This reduces the likelihood of errors and increases the overall efficiency of the system.

Conclusion: A Small Feature with Big Implications

In conclusion, the memo feature in TON blockchain transactions might seem like a small detail, but it plays a vital role in ensuring clarity, especially in complex transactions involving DApps and smart contracts. Paired with the signal chain system, which allows for efficient communication and synchronization across multiple shardchains, TON is building an ecosystem capable of handling the increasing demands of decentralized technologies.

TON’s approach represents a shift from the linear, often congested models of traditional blockchains to something far more dynamic and scalable. As more users adopt blockchain technology, these innovations will likely set TON apart, offering a faster, more efficient, and user-friendly experience.

For developers and users alike, this means fewer headaches and more opportunities to engage with decentralized applications in a meaningful way. The flexibility of the memo feature, combined with the scalability provided by the signal chain, could make TON one of the most user-friendly blockchains available today. It’s a blockchain built not only for the present but also for the future, where complex decentralized systems will become the norm.Hope you like this share as well ! I will share more information about Ton Chain, just keep follow on me !