For anyone (blockchain app developers and blockchain app development companies) to effectively embrace blockchain technology, it's a must for them to fathom how the system works with many other aspects. Although blockchain is being used to function as a transaction platform or a distributed ledger or even as a virtual currency, it's necessary to comprehend that blockchain is composed of various aspects and components that can be more than just a process enhancing technology.
One key area that many blockchain developers have tried to explore is in the aspect of blockchain consensus algorithms or protocols. We can refer to these methods (consensus mechanisms) as the engine or vehicle of communication that's designed to bring those who are interested in the technology on the innovation path. Without having a proper understanding of blockchain consensus algorithms, it's almost impossible to implement a new service model and technology on the blockchain.
Let's understand blockchain consensus algorithms?
In the world of the blockchain, these mechanisms work according to a set of pre-determined guidelines or conditions that enable the nodes available on a network to communicate with each other and reach a consensus. Hence, we call these 'Consensus Protocols.' As we know that blockchain has no central authority to oversee it or to guide its operations, there's a need for a consensus method designed to ensure that no one can tamper the information available on the distributed databases - 'digital ledger.'
When it comes blockchain app development, it's necessary for blockchain app developers to know that blockchain operates as a decentralized network and thus, has no database admin. If anyone wants to enter the system, they need to become a node by creating a server and joining the blockchain. Further, to bolster a decision in favor of the whole, members within the network will need to come into agreement.
Types of consensus protocols:
For blockchain app developers to adopt blockchain a new technology, there's a need to comprehend the sort of consensus protocols available and how each can work and be employed within a distributed system.
It's these aspects that ensure the type of benefits and offerings every blockchain provides today.
So, to help blockchain developers, so that they can help others, here are some helpful tips on the types of blockchain consensus algorithms adopted by many exciting projects.
PoW (Proof-of-Work):
It's one of the most popular of all consensus protocols available in the crypto world. It's the first-ever methods adopted as a consensus protocol for Blockchain, especially for Bitcoin. It works by enabling the miners to add new blocks of information (transactions) to the blockchain. However, it's possible to be done by only those who have found the hash first.
It's basically like incentivizing miners for their job. In general terms, the miners need to have high hashrate to calculate the hash, thereby, making the mining a highly computation-intensive process.
Eventually, blockchain developers looking to adopt the public blockchain should be ready to learn the hash puzzle, they need to compete to solve a cryptographic problem.
PoS (Proof-of-Stake):
Contrary to the process of PoW where a lot of computational work is needed to allow miners to add new transactional blocks, Proof-of-Stake asks for participants to put their coins at stake. Instead of miners, PoS utilizes forgers whose work is to handle the stake of coins. The more coins are at stake, the more the participants would be able to add new blocks to the blockchain.
Unlike PoW, PoW doesn't incentivize miners (members or forgers) for staking. Here, the transaction fees are considered as the forger's reward. So, when it comes to token based investments, it's the most embraced consensus mechanism by most blockchain platforms that mainly deals with crowdsale funding, because of its low energy-intensive nature.
Indeed, it would surely make a good choice for blockchain developers wanting to have a platform with coin flow.
DPoS (Delegated Proof-of-Stake):
In this blockchain consensus algorithm, delegates (witnesses) are assigned to handle and perform various operations, especially for maintaining the network such as for timestamping transactions and validating signatures.
Here, it operates by enabling users to select delegates by voting. Varied to PoS, DPos aims to provide users with more ownership and influence within the network by allowing to cast their votes to in or out whoever they choose.
Though many blockchain enthusiasts consider DPoS as a semi-decentralized network, it's renowned for its scalability feature. When we compare PoS and PoW, DPoS stands out and offer an improved version for blockchain mobile app development companies given the grounds of scalability. Also, it enables users to vote on tweaking or changing the parameter of the network.
Proof-of-Authority:
Like DPoS and PoS, PoA empowers the validators - a set of pre-determined authorities- to generate new blocks of information and manage the blockchain. It's another blockchain consensus algorithm that possesses has some centralized elements as its trust system is already determined. Here, blockchain developers are required to have valid and verified accounts so that they can get their transactions validated. Although PoA is highly centralized, it's also quite fast and scalable.
What Oodles Blockchain Offers Here?
We are a blockchain development company established in India, offering its blockchain development services globally. Being an early adopter of blockchain technology, we have gained enough expertise in blockchain development landscape and thus, excel in utilizing these Blockchain consensus algorithms so that we can deliver the best blockchain solutions.