Meaning
The primary sequence of validated transactions in a distributed ledger represents the version of history accepted by the network. Participants recognize the canonical chain as the authoritative record when multiple competing branches exist. Its identification usually follows the heaviest or longest path according to the specific rules of the protocol.
It stops being the definitive record only if a deeper reorganization occurs through a change in network agreement.
Sequence Finality
Probability of a block remaining in the permanent record increases as more subsequent blocks are appended. The canonical chain stabilizes once the cost to overwrite the history exceeds the potential gain from a reversal. Settlement finality depends on this progression.
Protocol Preference
Rules governing how a node selects between two valid branches ensure that the network eventually converges on a single state. Software clients identify the canonical chain by calculating the accumulated proof of work or stake. This selection happens automatically without human intervention.
Network Agreement
Nodes must align on the same history to prevent the double spending of assets. If a substantial portion of the network fails to follow the canonical chain, the system risks a split into two independent ledgers. This alignment protects the integrity of the data.
