Chained Consensus

Definition ∞ Chained consensus refers to a class of blockchain consensus algorithms where blocks are linked sequentially through cryptographic proofs, forming a chain. Each new block builds upon the cryptographic hash of the preceding block, thereby confirming its validity and securing the ledger. This method enhances finality and resistance to adversarial attacks by making past transactions progressively more difficult to alter. It represents a fundamental approach to maintaining distributed ledger integrity.
Context ∞ The discussion around chained consensus frequently centers on its application in high-performance blockchain architectures. A critical development involves improvements to achieve faster transaction finality and higher throughput without sacrificing security. Future research focuses on combining chained consensus with other mechanisms to optimize scalability for broad adoption.