Eventual Consistency

Definition ∞ Eventual consistency is a model in distributed computing where, given sufficient time, all replicas of a data item will converge to the same value, provided no new updates occur. This model allows for high availability and partition tolerance by permitting temporary inconsistencies across nodes. Data updates propagate asynchronously, meaning different parts of the system may temporarily observe varied data states. It prioritizes system uptime over immediate data uniformity.
Context ∞ Eventual consistency is commonly observed in highly distributed databases and is relevant to certain blockchain architectures that prioritize scalability and resilience. While not typically the primary consistency model for core transaction ledgers, it can apply to auxiliary data layers or specific decentralized application components. Understanding this model helps interpret news regarding system performance trade-offs and data synchronization challenges in large-scale crypto projects.