Fork Resolution

Fork Resolution is the set of rules used by a blockchain to determine which chain is the canonical one when multiple versions of the ledger exist simultaneously. Forks can occur due to network latency, software bugs, or malicious intent.

The fork choice rule dictates how nodes evaluate competing chains, typically favoring the one with the most cumulative work or the highest weight of attestations. This ensures that the network eventually converges on a single, unified history.

Robust fork resolution is critical for maintaining the integrity of the ledger and preventing double-spending attacks. It is the mechanism that keeps the distributed network synchronized even under adversarial conditions.

In Proof of Stake, this often involves complex weighting based on validator votes. It is the fundamental arbitration logic of the protocol.