The Byzantine Generals' Problem is actually an abstract way to describe a problem in computer systems introduced in a 1982 paper of the same name. The problem states that reliable computer systems must be able to function effectively in the presence of faulty components that may send conflicting information to different parts of the system. This issue is even more acute in decentralized computer networks.
This is illustrated in the following diagram:
Let's imagine the following thought experiment.
The Byzantine army has surrounded an enemy city. The army is organized in several units. Each unit is commanded by a general. All these generals need to come up with a coordinated plan of action, but they are located away from each other and can communicate only via messages. To make things more complicated, one or more of the generals...
