A Feature Model of Consensus Algorithms in Distributed Ledger Technology

Abstract

A distributed ledger is a database distributed across multiple systems, with each system holding a synchronized copy of the data. Distributed ledger technology has applications in various healthcare, finance, and cybersecurity domains. However, the intricacies of the features of consensus algorithms, which ensure consistency across different ledgers, remain challenging, as the relevant knowledge is scattered across a wide range of literature or in the form of tacit knowledge of software practitioners. This study presents a systematic data collection comprising an extensive literature review and a set of expert interviews to provide insights into designing and evaluating of consensus algorithms for web3 applications. The usability and usefulness of the extracted knowledge were evaluated by seven experienced practitioners in web3 development companies, resulting in an overview of 13 consensus algorithms, their features, and their impacts on quality models. With this comprehensive knowledge, web3 developers can expedite evaluating, selecting, and implementing consensus algorithms for distributed ledgers.