What is the first step in the consensus execution flow of a blockchain application?

The first step in the consensus execution flow of a blockchain application involves the application submitting a request to invoke a transaction. This step is crucial as it initiates the entire process that leads to consensus amongst the network participants.

When a user or application wants to perform an action that alters the state of the blockchain, such as making a transfer or altering data, it generates a transaction proposal. This transaction proposal is what the application submits, signaling its intention to execute a transaction. By submitting the request, the application effectively begins the consensus process, as it provides the transaction that will later be verified, endorsed, and potentially committed to the blockchain by the network.

Only after this initial submission does the transaction then go through the necessary steps: being shared among peers, getting grouped into a block, and undergoing consensus to ensure agreement across the network. This foundational step is critical, as it sets the stage for all subsequent operations that ensure the blockchain maintains its integrity and reliability.