What is Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT)?
Let's find out Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) meaning, definition in crypto, what is Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT), and all other detailed facts.
The Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) is a property notable in computer systems that makes them able to reach a consensus consistently regardless of whether some of the system nodes disagree with the consensus.
The Byzantine Generals’ Problem is a game theory concept used to show the problems of achieving consensus that are common in computer systems.
The hypothetical scenario presents the idea of several Byzantine generals planning to attack a fortress. All generals communicate with each other solely through messengers. They must all collectively decide whether they should attack or retreat.
Some of the generals are secretly traitors who could potentially sabotage any attempts to reach a consensus. The question follows: is it possible to establish a system that would ensure the loyal generals agree on the same plan regardless of whether it is known which generals are traitors?
The resolution has been reached stating that it would be possible, so long as more than two-thirds of the generals are loyal.
Technical solutions like the Proof-of-Work consensus mechanism employed by Bitcoin (BTC) show how this can be achieved in practice, proving that as long as more than two-thirds of the nodes are loyal to the system, a computer system can reach consensus.
Decentralized cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin act in a similar way as computer systems, as they are made up of nodes that create the network. The nodes are run by people or organizations that are scattered all around the world.
Each node functions independently of the rest of the network with no overhead centralized authority. Thus, there is no way to know if the faulty transaction information being supplied to the blockchain is done so deliberately with malicious intent or accidentally.