On the other hand a backward-incompatible hard fork update introduces changes to the protocol that causes a disruption or a discontinuity with the previous version. A hard fork refers to a radical change to the protocols of a blockchain network. Ethereum Is More Usable And Functional Than Ever New Data Shows Analyst Data Show Trade Sign This has had an impact in the world of crypto not least on ether the worlds second largest cryptocurrency. What is a hard fork in crypto . What is a Hard Fork. As such the adopted software must be updated to work by the new rules. Hard Forks Hard forks are a little more serious. A backward-incompatible hard fork. They come about when the community cant come to agreement and a sizable portion of the community breaks away from supporting the original software. The Ethereum blockchain has just had a massive upgrade in the form of the so-called London hard fork. Unlike soft forks which are essentially backwards-compatible updates hard