Probabilistic Convergence Guarantee

Definition ∞ Probabilistic convergence guarantee is a property of certain distributed consensus algorithms where the likelihood of all network participants agreeing on the same state approaches certainty over time. This statistical assurance, rather than immediate, absolute agreement, is common in proof-of-work blockchains. It describes the increasing confidence in transaction finality.
Context ∞ Understanding probabilistic convergence guarantee is essential for assessing the finality of transactions on various blockchain networks, particularly in scenarios where immediate, deterministic finality is not achievable. This concept impacts the speed and security assurances for users and applications. It is a fundamental consideration when evaluating the robustness of a decentralized ledger.