Interoperability
Quick Answer
Interoperability is the ability of different blockchains to communicate and transfer assets between each other, enabling customers to pay from any chain with transparent cross-chain routing.
Full Definition
Interoperability is the ability of different blockchain networks to communicate, exchange data, and transfer assets between each other. Interoperability is achieved through bridges, cross-chain messaging protocols (LayerZero, Axelar, Wormhole), and standardised interfaces. For crypto payments, interoperability means a customer can pay from any supported chain and the merchant receives settlement on their preferred chain — the infrastructure handles the cross-chain routing transparently.
Related Terms
Idempotency
Idempotency in payment APIs means making the same request multiple times produces the same result, preventing duplicate charges from network retries or timeouts.
Immutability
Immutability is the blockchain property preventing recorded data from being altered after confirmation, providing merchants with unalterable receipts of every payment.