What are forks in the blockchain
A fork (from the English word fork — „split”, „branching”) in the context of blockchain refers to a change in the protocol that leads to a new version of the network. Think of a blockchain as a chain of blocks governed by specific rules. When those rules change, the network must either synchronize or split.
Forks come in two main types: hard forks and soft forks. These are key technical processes that enable blockchains to adapt, fix bugs, scale, or introduce innovations. While the terms may sound technical, they have real market consequences.
Hard fork: A radical split
A hard fork is a protocol change that makes the new version incompatible with the previous one. This means that participants who do not update their software can no longer validate new blocks. As a result, the blockchain splits into two separate chains.
Hard forks can be scheduled — as part of a project’s roadmap — or unplanned, often caused by internal disagreements. Notable examples include:
• Bitcoin ↔ Bitcoin Cash (2017): Caused by a conflict over block size and scalability.
• Ethereum ↔ Ethereum Classic (2016): Triggered by a community split after the DAO hack.
Hard forks often result in the creation of a new coin, which can attract both interest and confusion. Token holders may receive new coins on the forked chain, making hard forks attractive from a speculative standpoint.
But behind the opportunity lie risks: reduced security, community fragmentation, and loss of investor trust.
Soft fork: Smooth evolution
A soft fork is a backward-compatible upgrade. It changes the protocol while still allowing non-updated nodes to operate within the network, albeit with limited functionality. Only those who update can access the new features, but the chain remains unified.
A key example is SegWit (Segregated Witness) in the Bitcoin network. This update improved scalability and enabled the Lightning Network — all without creating a new coin.
The main advantage of soft forks is their seamless nature: They allow significant changes without splitting the network. However, they still require broad consensus, which can slow down implementation.
Why forks matter to users and investors
Forks are more than just technical events — they are market-moving triggers. They can significantly affect token prices, cause sudden volatility, or even lead to the creation of valuable new assets. Investors who keep track of fork-related news often find themselves ahead of the curve.
Here are several reasons to pay attention to forks:
• Price volatility: Crypto assets often surge ahead of a hard fork, then correct sharply afterward.
• „Free” tokens: During hard forks, holders of the original token may receive an equivalent amount in the new chain.
• Changes in transaction fees: Forks can alter mechanisms like token burns or reward structures.
• Technical risks: Failing to update your wallet or node in time could result in loss of access to funds.
How to stay informed and prepare in advance
Forks are often announced weeks in advance, but official information is scattered across forums, GitHub pages, and social media. Staying updated manually can be time-consuming — that’s where specialized tools help.
A news crypto calendar for cryptocurrency events is a powerful platform for tracking events in the crypto industry. It collects and organizes information about:
• Upcoming hard forks and soft forks
• Token listings and delistings
• Mainnet and testnet launches
• Partnership announcements and protocol integrations
• Major events and summits
With customizable notifications, Crypto Calendar helps you stay informed about the updates that matter most to you. Thanks to smart filters and labeling, users can plan trades, monitor blockchain changes, and react to opportunities or risks in real time.
Forks as a part of crypto evolution
Every fork is a signal that the technology is evolving. Without forks, there would be no Ethereum 2.0, no scalable Bitcoin improvements, and no ecosystem of alternative consensus models. Forks are the engine behind adaptation, decentralization, and innovation.
But to benefit from this progress — and not be caught off guard — it’s important to:
• Understand the nature of each fork: Who initiated it and why
• Gauge community response: Market trust matters
• Track exact dates and details: Especially if you’re holding assets in self-custody wallets
With the right strategy and tools like Crypto Calendar, you can go beyond simply reacting — and start making proactive, informed decisions in the dynamic world of crypto.
