Longest Chain Rule
A fork choice rule favoring the chain with the most accumulated proof of work, used by Bitcoin.
A fork choice rule favoring the chain with the most accumulated proof of work, used by Bitcoin.
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Sep 2026 · Verheidsscore: 50%
What is Longest Chain Rule?
A fork choice rule favoring the chain with the most accumulated proof of work, used by Bitcoin.
- Category
- concept
- Type
- Authority Node
- Sources
- 1
Miners build on the chain they consider canonical, which is the one with the most accumulated difficulty. When a competing chain becomes longer, miners switch to it. This rule assumes the majority of hash power is honest.
The longest chain rule is simple and effective for proof-of-work networks, providing probabilistic finality. It is the foundation of Bitcoin's security model. Its simplicity contrasts with more complex rules in proof-of-stake systems.
Knowledge Graph
24 relationsOverview
The longest chain rule is a fork choice rule favoring the chain with the most accumulated proof of work, used by Bitcoin. Nodes follow the chain that has the most work behind it. It provides a simple way to resolve forks.
How It Works
Miners build on the chain they consider canonical, which is the one with the most accumulated difficulty. When a competing chain becomes longer, miners switch to it. This rule assumes the majority of hash power is honest.
Why It Matters
The longest chain rule is simple and effective for proof-of-work networks, providing probabilistic finality. It is the foundation of Bitcoin's security model. Its simplicity contrasts with more complex rules in proof-of-stake systems.
Related Concepts
The Longest Chain Rule is a type of Fork Choice Rule central to Proof of Work. It provides Probabilistic Finality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Longest Chain Rule?
A fork choice rule favoring the chain with the most accumulated proof of work, used by Bitcoin.
How does Longest Chain Rule work?
The longest chain rule is a fork choice rule favoring the chain with the most accumulated proof of work, used by Bitcoin. Nodes follow the chain that has the most work behind it. It provides a simple way to resolve forks. Miners build on the chain they consider canonical, which is the one with the
Why does Longest Chain Rule matter in Web3?
Miners build on the chain they consider canonical, which is the one with the most accumulated difficulty. When a competing chain becomes longer, miners switch to it. This rule assumes the majority of hash power is honest. The longest chain rule is simple and effective for proof-of-work networks, pr