Definition ∞ Simple consensus refers to a distributed agreement mechanism marked by straightforward rules and minimal operational overhead. These protocols prioritize ease of comprehension and implementation, often trading off advanced features or extreme scalability. They are typically employed in systems where participant numbers are limited or where a high level of trust already exists among nodes. This design choice favors clarity and reduced complexity.
Context ∞ The concept of simple consensus is sometimes discussed in contrast to more complex, high-performance algorithms when evaluating blockchain designs for specific use cases. News may refer to simpler consensus models in the context of private blockchains or permissioned ledgers where network participants are known. The ongoing debate concerns identifying the appropriate balance between simplicity, security, and the requirements of various decentralized applications.