Mastering Blockchain - Second Edition

Consensus

Consensus is the backbone of a blockchain and, as a result, it provides decentralization of control through an optional process known as mining. The choice of the consensus algorithm is also governed by the type of blockchain in use; that is, not all consensus mechanisms are suitable for all types of blockchains. For example, in public permissionless blockchains, it would make sense to use PoW instead of a simple agreement mechanism that is perhaps based on proof of authority. Therefore, it is essential to choose an appropriate consensus algorithm for a particular blockchain project.

Consensus is a process of agreement between distrusting nodes on the final state of data. To achieve consensus, different algorithms are used. It is ...