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Challenges & Plot Filters

In this lesson, we discuss how the plot filter works, and what the benefits are of using one.

Learning objectives​

  • Plot Filters: Understand the basics of how the plot filter works, as well as the benefits of using one.
  • Challenge Generation: Understand how the challenge is generated by the Timelord and sent to the Farmer.

Content​

Script​

Expand for the full script

0:00
The Timelord generates a new challenge about every 9 seconds. This is then hashed with the ID of each plot.

0:20
If the hash starts with 9 zeroes, the plot is considered eligible for harvesting. This is called the plot filter. The Plot Filter serves as a decentralizing force to further randomize the winner, as well as reduce the total compute needed for each challenge.

0:40
When a farmer receives a challenge, the harvester first determines which plots are valid and pass the plot filter, then produces potential proofs of space and submits them to the Timelord for verification and review.

1:00
The Timelord will choose the Proof of Space that most closely meets the challenge, and using the challenge and provided Proof of Space as inputs, runs a VDF to prove that time has passed and produces the next challenge.

Common gotchas​

  • Are valid proofs filtered out?: It is very possible that a valid proof of space would be contained in a filtered plot. This affects every farmer equally though, and the benefits of further decentralization are well worth it.

Knowledge check​

Question 1 - Challenge Frequency

About how often will a Timelord generate a new challenge?

Answer (expand when ready to see the answer)

About every 9 seconds

Question 2 - Filter Benefits

What are the two significant benefits of using a plot filter?

Answer (expand when ready to see the answer)
  1. It further decentralizes the network.
  2. It reduces the amount of compute needed, improving network efficiency

Additional resources​

  • More farming basics: overviews of plotting, pooling, and rewards.
  • In depth architecture overview: describing the interactions between Farmers, Harvesters, Wallets, etc.
  • Chialisp detailed documentation: detailed information on all aspects of chialisp.
  • Support in discord: for further support join our discord server and ask in the #chialisp or #support channels.