A blockchain is a distributed database or ledger shared among computer network nodes. It stores information electronically in digital format, organized in blocks that are chronologically linked. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data. Once recorded, the data in any block cannot be altered retroactively without altering all subsequent blocks, which requires consensus of the network majority. This design makes blockchain secure and well-suited for recording transactions and tracking assets.
Glossary Term
Blockchain
A distributed ledger technology that maintains a continuously growing list of records secured from tampering and revision.
Beginner
Technology
Crypto Terminology
Blockchain: what is it?
Examples
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Bitcoin was the first implementation of blockchain technology
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Ethereum extended blockchain capabilities with smart contracts
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Solana offers high throughput with its proof-of-history consensus
Common Use Cases
Financial transactions without intermediaries
Supply chain tracking and verification
Digital identity management
Decentralized applications (dApps)
Pro Tips
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Different blockchains offer different trade-offs between security, decentralization, and scalability
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Public blockchains are transparent but private blockchains can limit who sees the data
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Consider transaction costs and confirmation times when choosing a blockchain