Distributed System

Definition ∞ A distributed system is a collection of independent computers that appear to its users as a single, cohesive system. These computers communicate and coordinate their actions by passing messages to achieve a common goal. This architecture offers benefits such as fault tolerance, scalability, and resource sharing. Blockchain networks are a prominent example, where individual nodes collectively maintain the ledger.
Context ∞ The functionality and security of digital assets fundamentally rely on the principles of distributed systems. Ongoing research and development in this field aim to enhance the performance, consistency, and security of these systems, particularly in areas like consensus mechanisms and inter-blockchain communication. Understanding distributed system properties is essential for evaluating the robustness and future potential of various blockchain protocols and their applications.