Consensus Pacing

Definition ∞ Consensus pacing refers to the controlled rate at which a distributed network reaches agreement on the order and validity of transactions. This mechanism regulates the speed of block production or transaction finalization within a blockchain or similar ledger. It aims to balance network stability, security, and transaction processing capacity.
Context ∞ In cryptocurrency protocols, consensus pacing is a critical design parameter that influences scalability and decentralization. Adjustments to pacing are often subjects of intense debate and news coverage, as they can significantly impact transaction fees, confirmation times, and the overall user experience. Optimizing consensus pacing is a continuous challenge for blockchain developers seeking to improve network performance.