Foundational Consensus

Definition ∞ Foundational Consensus refers to the fundamental agreement mechanism that underpins a distributed ledger technology system. This mechanism establishes how network participants validate transactions and agree on the correct order of blocks. It is the core principle that ensures the integrity, security, and immutability of the entire blockchain. Without a robust foundational consensus, the system cannot reliably maintain a consistent state.
Context ∞ Discussions around Foundational Consensus are constant in cryptocurrency news, particularly when comparing different blockchain architectures like Proof of Work or Proof of Stake. Major protocol upgrades or shifts in consensus mechanisms, such as Ethereum’s transition, represent significant events related to this core concept. The strength and efficiency of foundational consensus directly impact a network’s security properties and transaction finality.