FLP Impossibility

Definition ∞ FLP Impossibility refers to a fundamental theoretical limit in distributed computing concerning consensus in asynchronous networks. It states that in an asynchronous distributed system, if even one process can fail by crashing, no deterministic consensus algorithm can guarantee agreement among all non-faulty processes. This concept highlights the inherent difficulty of achieving reliable agreement in environments where message delays are unpredictable. It underscores a significant challenge for building fault-tolerant distributed systems.
Context ∞ While primarily a computer science concept, FLP Impossibility is relevant in crypto news when discussing the theoretical underpinnings and limitations of blockchain consensus mechanisms. It informs debates about the trade-offs between decentralization, security, and performance in various blockchain architectures. Understanding this principle helps explain why certain design choices are made in distributed ledger technology to mitigate its implications.