Permissionless

Basics

• Permissionless is the opposite of permissioned. Often used in relation to blockchains and DApps. If something is permissionless it is open for anyone to join or participate.

Blockchains

• Permissionless blockchains are also know as public blockchains and permissioned blockchains as private blockchains. If a blockchain has certain hindrances (permissions, like only the team or invites) to become a validator or user, it is considered permissioned. If anyone with an internet connection can join and participate in consensus, it is considered permissionless.

DApps and Smart Contracts

• Permissioned within DApps and Smart Contracts usually is in regards to admin keys and whitelists. Meaning respectively that a team member or multisig has certain extra permissions (rights) or an address is whitelisted (allowed) to participate in a private mint (usually of NFTs or in an ICO).