> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/wiki/mining-and-consensus/mining/nakamoto-consensus.md). # Nakamoto Consensus Nakamoto consensus is as it is defined in the [Bitcoin whitepaper](https://bsvassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/bitcoin.pdf) where nodes vote to enforce the rules used to build the blocks that make up the Bitcoin public ledger. It is a Byzantine fault tolerant consensus algorithm that utilises the concept of Proof of Work and economic incentives to manage decision making rights. Nakamoto consensus defines an honest node as a node that seeks out the longest valid chain of blocks and applies proof of work to extend that chain. In this context, the longest chain represents greatest proof of work effort on the valid chain. If the majority of nodes are honest, then the honest chain will grow with the greatest proof of work and outrun any other competing chains. By choosing which chain to build upon, the nodes vote to enforce the rules that govern the protocol, and use of the Blockchain as a global financial ledger with legal and regulatory oversight. Through Nakamoto consensus, proof of work on the longest chain becomes an economic and technical barrier for any attacker to overcome. At the same time, the block reward as an economic incentive drives the node to follow the consensus, encouraging honesty and cooperation between competing enterprise Miners. The security of Nakamoto consensus has been studied by academia and tested in the real world since 2009. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/wiki/mining-and-consensus/mining/nakamoto-consensus.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.