Definition ∞ A BFT Framework refers to a system architecture designed to achieve consensus among distributed nodes even when some nodes exhibit arbitrary, malicious behavior. This Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) approach ensures system functionality and data consistency despite the presence of faulty actors. It provides a high degree of resilience against attacks and operational failures. Such frameworks are fundamental to many blockchain protocols.
Context ∞ BFT frameworks are a central topic in the design and security analysis of various blockchain consensus mechanisms. Discussions frequently compare different BFT variations, such as Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT) or Tendermint, regarding their scalability and performance characteristics. A critical future development involves optimizing BFT protocols to support larger networks without compromising security or decentralization.