Fork Choice Rule
The algorithm a blockchain uses to decide which competing chain is canonical when forks occur.
The algorithm a blockchain uses to decide which competing chain is canonical when forks occur.
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Sep 2026 · Verheidsscore: 50%
What is Fork Choice Rule?
The algorithm a blockchain uses to decide which competing chain is canonical when forks occur.
- Category
- concept
- Type
- Authority Node
- Sources
- 1
Bitcoin uses the longest chain rule, favoring the chain with the most accumulated work. Ethereum uses LMD-GHOST, which tracks attestations from validators. The rule lets all nodes independently converge on the same chain.
The fork choice rule is central to chain safety and liveness. A flawed rule can allow attacks or cause persistent disagreements. It is one of the most important design choices in a blockchain protocol.
Knowledge Graph
24 relationsOverview
A fork choice rule is the algorithm a blockchain uses to decide which competing chain is canonical when forks occur. It determines how nodes agree on a single history. Different protocols use different rules.
How It Works
Bitcoin uses the longest chain rule, favoring the chain with the most accumulated work. Ethereum uses LMD-GHOST, which tracks attestations from validators. The rule lets all nodes independently converge on the same chain.
Why It Matters
The fork choice rule is central to chain safety and liveness. A flawed rule can allow attacks or cause persistent disagreements. It is one of the most important design choices in a blockchain protocol.
Related Concepts
Fork Choice Rules relate to the Longest Chain Rule, Finality, and Consensus. They define how a chain selects between competing branches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fork Choice Rule?
The algorithm a blockchain uses to decide which competing chain is canonical when forks occur.
How does Fork Choice Rule work?
A fork choice rule is the algorithm a blockchain uses to decide which competing chain is canonical when forks occur. It determines how nodes agree on a single history. Different protocols use different rules. Bitcoin uses the longest chain rule, favoring the chain with the most accumulated work. Et
Why does Fork Choice Rule matter in Web3?
Bitcoin uses the longest chain rule, favoring the chain with the most accumulated work. Ethereum uses LMD-GHOST, which tracks attestations from validators. The rule lets all nodes independently converge on the same chain. The fork choice rule is central to chain safety and liveness. A flawed rule c