Ethereum: What is the “confirmation” field in a block?
Ethereum: What is the “Confirmation” field in a block?
The confirmation field, also known as the “Confirmations” or “consensus” field, plays a crucial role in the Ethereum consensus mechanism. In this article, we will deepen what an Ethereum block is confirmed and why it is essential for the block chain.
What is the confirmation field?
In Ethereum, each new block must be verified by the network using complex mathematical calculations called “Work test” (POW). The first block created in a block chain is added to the list of existing blocks. To add a new block to this list, it must be checked and confirmed by several nodes on the network.
The confirmation field is essentially a state report which indicates whether the new block has been successfully verified. In general, it is shown as a simple value (for example, “0”, “1”, “2”, etc.) which indicates the number of confirmations necessary to accept the block.
What is the importance of the confirmation field?
The confirmation field has several objectives:
- Verification
: The confirmation field guarantees that the new block has been checked by several nodes on the network, making it a safe and reliable addition to the block chain.
- Trust : By displaying the number of confirmations necessary to accept a block, users may believe that the new block is valid and has not been manipulated or modified during transmission.
- Consensus : The confirmation field helps to maintain consensus between the nodes of the network, ensuring that everyone agrees with the validity of the new blocks.
How many confirmations are necessary?
In Ethereum, each block must be confirmed by at least 3 of the 4 nodes on the network which will be added to the list of existing blocks. This is known as a “quorum”. Each node checks a block and sends it to the network for its consensus. Once a new block reaches this quorum, it is considered to be confirmed and added to the block chain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ethereum’s confirmation field plays a vital role in maintaining the security, confidence and validity of the block chain. By displaying the number of confirmations necessary to accept a block, users can ensure that they treat a valid and reliable addition to the network. It is essential to understand the importance of the confirmation field for anyone interested in learning on Ethereum and its underlying technology.
Additional resources
If you want more information on Ethereum and its consensus mechanism, I recommend visiting:
- The Ethereum White Paper: “Le Paper Blanc Ethereum”
- GitHub of Ethereum page: [
- Tutorials and online courses on the development of Ethereum and Blockchain.