Consensus

Consensus is the process by which a decentralized system, like Bitcoin, coordinates decisions and maintains unity without relying on traditional authority or voting. It doesn’t mean unanimous agreement—total harmony is rare—but rather a general agreement that keeps the system functional.

In Bitcoin, consensus plays two key roles. First, at the software level, any changes to the source code are discussed publicly, with anyone free to propose or critique updates. While this transparent process is slower than centralized decision-making, it ensures that no single group can control Bitcoin’s direction for its own benefit.

Second, on the network level, all nodes (computers running Bitcoin’s software) must agree on the rules: what makes a block or transaction valid, the rate at which new bitcoin are created, and the official state of the blockchain. If nodes fall out of sync on these essentials, the network can split, leading to multiple, incompatible blockchains. That’s why achieving and preserving consensus is crucial to Bitcoin’s stability and trustworthiness.