Blockchains
Last updated
Last updated
A Blockchain is a type of database that is made up of a growing number of records, called blocks, that are linked together in a linear fashion. Each block contains a record of multiple transactions, and once data is recorded on the blockchain it cannot be altered. The blocks are added to the blockchain in a chronological order, and each block includes a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data.
The nature of the blockchain means that it is not controlled by any single entity, such as a government or financial institution. Instead, the network is maintained by a network of computers, known as nodes, that validate and store the transactions on the blockchain. This decentralized structure allows for a secure and transparent system for recording transactions, as every node on the network has a copy of the entire blockchain.
One of the key features of the blockchain is its ability to create a secure and transparent system for recording transactions without the need for a central authority. Because the data on the blockchain is distributed across the entire network, it is virtually impossible for a single entity to manipulate the ledger. The use of cryptographic hashes and timestamping ensures that the data on the blockchain cannot be altered retroactively without the of the network.