consensus protocol

A consensus protocol is a set of rules that a group of computers follow to agree on a single version of data or a transaction, especially in decentralized systems like blockchain. It ensures all participants share a consistent and accurate record without relying on a central authority. By reaching consensus, the network confirms that everyone agrees on the state of the data, preventing fraud or errors. Different protocols use various methods—like voting, proof-of-work, or proof-of-stake—to achieve this agreement efficiently and securely.