What does the term 'delta' refer to in the consensus execution flow?

In the context of consensus execution flow within blockchain technology, the term 'delta' specifically refers to the executed output that is stored within the block. This output represents the changes or the results of a transaction after it has been successfully executed and verified by the consensus mechanism.

When transactions are processed in a blockchain network, they often lead to updates in the state of the ledger. The delta captures these updates, reflecting the new state that occurs as a result of executing one or more transactions. This is crucial because it not only holds the results of the transactions but also ensures that subsequent processes in the blockchain, such as updating the ledger or validating further transactions, have access to the most recent state.

This concept plays an essential role in maintaining the integrity and consistency of the blockchain, as the delta directly influences the state transitions that happen throughout the network. By accurately representing the executed output, validators and nodes can ensure they are aware of any changes and can validate further transactions accordingly. Hence, the term 'delta' embodies this critical aspect of blockchain's operation within the consensus execution flow.