LMD GHOST is an important component of the popular Ethereum network. But what does this consensus process accomplish? And why is it important? Let's break it down in simple terms.

LMD GHOST (also known as the GHOST Protocol) is a fork-choice rule that allows nodes in a blockchain network to agree on the ledger's legitimate state. It avoids disagreements over which transactions are legitimate. To select the "heaviest" or most legitimate new block, nodes vote in a multi-step process. This weighted selection strategy seeks to achieve agreement faster than other methods. It also improves security against assaults aimed at corrupting the ledger.