Consensus is a mechanism that allows thousands of independent nodes in a network to reach a unified agreement on the state of the ledger without central control. In cryptocurrency systems, consensus is not just a technical solution — it is the foundation upon which trust in the decentralized network is built and maintained, preventing fraud and ensuring data integrity. This process ensures that all participants agree on transaction validity, maintaining the security and reliability of the system. Without consensus, a decentralized network cannot function effectively, as there would be no way to verify and synchronize data across all nodes. It is the core principle that enables blockchain technology to operate transparently and securely, fostering confidence among users and stakeholders.