Blockchain is the technology of the future. More and more companies use it on a daily basis, and cryptocurrencies are becoming more popular every year, but few people understand what blockchain is and how it works. This material is about the main technology underlying digital assets.
What is blockchain technology?
Blockchain technology is an advanced database mechanism that allows the open exchange of information within a business network. The blockchain database stores data in blocks linked together in a chain. The data is chronologically sequential because you cannot delete or change the chain without consensus from the network. As a result, you can use blockchain technology to create an immutable or perpetual ledger to track orders, payments, invoices, and other transactions. The system has built-in mechanisms that prevent unauthorized entry of transactions and create consistency in the overall view of these transactions.
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What are the possibilities of blockchain technology?
Below you can see the main features of blockchain technology.
- Decentralization
Decentralization in blockchain means the transfer of control and decision-making from a centralized entity (individual, organization, or group of them) to a distributed network. The transparency of a decentralized blockchain allows leveling the trust of participants in each other. These networks restrain their power or control over each other, which preserves the functionality of the network.
- Immutability
Immutability means that the data cannot be changed. No participant can interfere in a transaction once it has been entered into the register. If a record contains an error, then a new transaction must be added to correct it. Both transactions will be displayed online.
- Consensus
The blockchain system establishes a set of rules by which participants approve transactions. New transactions can be registered only with the consent of the majority of network participants.
How does blockchain work?
Below is a brief overview of the complex mechanism of the blockchain. Blockchain software automates most of the procedures:
1. Recording a transaction
A blockchain transaction reflects the movement of physical or digital assets from one party to another in a blockchain network. It is written as a block of data and may include the following information:
- Who was involved in the deal?
- What happened during the deal?
- When was the deal made?
- Where was the deal made?
- What are the reasons for the deal?
- How many assets have been transferred?
- How many preconditions were met during the deal?
2. Reaching consensus
The majority of participants in the distributed blockchain network must confirm that the recorded transaction is valid. Depending on the type of network, the rules of the agreement may differ, but, as a rule, they are established at the beginning of the procedure.
3. Bundle of blocks
When participants reach a consensus, transactions on the blockchain are written into blocks equivalent to register pages. Along with transactions, a cryptographic hash is added to the new block. The hash acts like a chain linking the blocks together. If the contents of a block are intentionally or accidentally changed, the hash value also changes, which helps to detect data forgery.
Thus, blocks and chains are securely linked, and their editing is impossible. Each additional block reinforces the verification of the previous block and therefore the entire blockchain. This principle is similar to building a tower from wooden blocks. Blocks can only be stacked from above, and if you remove one block from the middle, the entire tower will collapse.
The system distributes to all participants the latest copy of the central registry.
What types of blockchain networks exist?
There are four main types of decentralized or distributed networks in the blockchain:
1. Public Blockchain
Public blockchains do not require permissions and allow anyone to join the network. All blockchain participants have equal rights to read, edit and verify the information. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin are mainly exchanged and mined on public blockchains.
2. Private Blockchain
Private blockchains, which can also be called managed, are controlled by a single entity. The authorized body determines who can be a participant and what rights they have in the network. Private blockchains are only partially decentralized as they include access restrictions. An example of a private blockchain is Ripple, a digital currency exchange platform.
3. Hybrid Blockchain
A hybrid blockchain combines the features of both private and public networks. Companies can create both private and public permit systems. Thus, they control access to certain data on the blockchain, while still maintaining public access to other data. They use smart contracts that allow public participants to verify that private transactions are taking place. For example, hybrid blockchains can provide public access to digital currency while maintaining private access to banking currency.
4. Blockchain consortiums
Blockchain consortiums are run by a group of organizations. Pre-selected organizations share responsibility for the functioning of the blockchain and the definition of data access rights. Blockchain consortiums are often favored by like-minded companies that benefit from shared responsibility.
Conclusion
Blockchain technology is the technology of the future, which is being implemented in more and more industries. It allows you to achieve transparency in transactions and protects against fraud. Understanding what a blockchain is and how it works is not easy, I hope our article has helped you to do this.
