Consensus Building

Definition ∞ Consensus building in blockchain technology refers to the process by which network participants agree on the validity of transactions and the correct order of blocks. This agreement is achieved through various consensus mechanisms, such as Proof of Work or Proof of Stake. It ensures the integrity and security of the distributed ledger, preventing double-spending and unauthorized alterations. This collective agreement forms the basis of a blockchain’s immutability.
Context ∞ The state of consensus building research focuses on improving efficiency, scalability, and decentralization in blockchain networks. News frequently covers updates to existing protocols or the introduction of novel consensus algorithms. A key debate involves the energy consumption of Proof of Work versus the centralization risks associated with some Proof of Stake implementations.