Consensus
Protocol
Process by which nodes agree on the chain’s state.
Consensus is how a network agrees on which blocks are valid. Designs include proof of work and proof of stake. They balance security, speed, and decentralization differently. App developers should understand basic timing, finality, and reorg behavior on the chains they use.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between PoW and PoS?
PoW secures the chain with computational work. PoS uses staked tokens and validator behavior. Each has tradeoffs.Why do networks use committees or slots?
To organize who proposes and validates blocks at each time step and to improve liveness and fairness.How can apps handle consensus issues?
Show clear status, retry failed calls, and handle reorgs by checking multiple confirmations before acting.