Agreement Stage

Definition ∞ The Agreement Stage in a distributed system refers to the point where all participating nodes reach a consensus on a specific state or transaction order. This phase precedes the finalization and permanent recording of data onto the ledger. It is a critical step in maintaining the integrity and consistency of the blockchain. This stage ensures all parties accept the proposed changes.
Context ∞ In blockchain consensus mechanisms, the agreement stage is fundamental for achieving network security and preventing forks. This stage confirms that a majority of validators or miners concur on the validity of transactions within a block. Ensuring robust agreement protocols is essential for the reliability and immutability of the entire decentralized ledger, particularly under adversarial conditions.