Purpose
Consensus mechanisms “are crucial for a blockchain in order to function correctly. They make sure everyone uses the same blockchain” [1].
Definitions
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From Investopedia: A consensus mechanism is a fault-tolerant mechanism that is used in computer and blockchain systems to achieve the necessary agreement on a single data value or a single state of the network among distributed processes or multi-agent systems [2].
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From KPMG: Consensus mechanism - A method of authenticating and validating a value or transaction on a Blockchain or a distributed ledger without the need to trust or rely on a central authority. Consensus mechanisms are central to the functioning of any blockchain or distributed ledger [3].
References
[1] “Different Blockchain Consensus Mechanisms”, Hacker Noon [online]. Available: https://hackernoon.com/different-blockchain-consensus-mechanisms-d19ea6c3bcd6. Date accessed: 2019‑06‑07.
[2] Investopedia: “Consensus Mechanism (Cryptocurrency)” [online]. Available: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/consensus-mechanism-cryptocurrency.asp. Date accessed: 2019‑06‑07.
[3] KPMG: “Consensus - Immutable Agreement for the Internet of Value” [online]. Available: https://assets.kpmg/content/dam/kpmg/pdf/2016/06/kpmg-blockchain-consensus-mechanism.pdf. Date accessed: 2019‑06‑07.
