The term blockchain seems highly complex, and it surely can be. But the core concept of the Blockchain is straightforward. This is a kind of database. If you want to understand the Blockchain, then initially, you must try to understand what a database actually is. A database is mainly a collection of information which is reserved electronically on a PC. Any kind of information, or data, in databases, is structured well in table format in order to allow for easier filtering for information.
Spreadsheets are specially designed for user group for easy access and storage of limited information. Wherein the database includes specific amounts of data to be accessed, filtered & altered by different users at once.
Large-sized databases can house data on servers, specifically made of strong computers. These types of servers are built involving use of thousands of computers to have the computational power & easily accessible storage capacity for multiple users collectively. Wherein the spreadsheet or database may be accessible to many people. It is owned by business and managed by an appointed professional who takes the complete control of how it entirely works along with the data within it.
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Main Points About Blockchain
- The Blockchain is a particular type of database.
- This is different from a typical database; that is, it can store information. The blockchains can store data in blocks which are then chained together.
- With every new data entry into a new block, it is filled with data. The, it is chained into the previous block, while keeping it sorted in a chronological order.
- Among all the types of information to be stored, this acts as a ledger for transactions.
- In the case of bitcoin, the Blockchain is used in a decentralized way.
- Once the stabilization of decentralized blockchains is done, it shows the data entered is irreversible. On the other hand, in case of Bitcoin, it means that transactions are recorded permanently & now available for viewing for all.
Is Blockchain a Secure Platform?
You might be aware that Blockchain technology is currently accountable for security and trust issues in various ways. Primarily, the new blocks are stored chronologically and linearly. To have a closer understanding of the Bitcoin’s Blockchain, understand that each block has a position on the chain, which is called as ‘height.’
Once the block gets added at the end of the Blockchain, it gets very challenging to go back and alter the block contents, until there’s consensus for editing. This happens because every block involves its own hash, along with the block before it and previously mentioned time-stamp. The hash codes are created with the math function, which transforms the digital information to a string of numbers & letters. In case the data is edited; obviously, the hash code also changes as well.
Let’s say, the hacker wants to first alter the Blockchain & then steal the Bitcoin. In case they were to change their copy, it would not be aligning with everyone else’s copy. If everyone else cross-references their copies, they would see this one copy stand out & that the hacker’s version of the chain would be casting away as invalid.
Bitcoin vs. Blockchain – The Difference Between Blockchain and Bitcoin
The main goal of Blockchain is to allow digital information to be recorded & distributed but not edited. You must be glad to know that Blockchain technology as outlined in the year 1991 by Stuart Haber and W. Scott Stornetta. These two researchers aimed to implement a system where document timestamps not to be tampered with. But with the launch of Bitcoin in the year 2009 in January, Blockchain comes up with its first real-world application.
Basically, the Bitcoin protocol is built on a blockchain. In a research paper, it has been introduced that the digital currency, Bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator referred to it as an advanced electronic cash system that’s fully peer-to-peer, with no trusted third party. The main thing which is focused on here is that Bitcoin hardly uses Blockchain.
Presently, there are a wide variety of blockchain-based projects to implement Blockchain with the techniques to help society other than just recording the transactions. For example, that the Blockchain being used as a way in order to vote in democratic elections. The nature of Blockchain’s stability means that fraudulent voting would become far more challenging to occur.
Blockchain is considered as a technology that underpins Bitcoin. It was developed for Bitcoin. So, bitcoin was the first example of Blockchain in action. Moreover, without Blockchain, there would be no Bitcoin present. That is why both terms are used interchangeably. But keep in mind that both the terms are not exactly the same. Bitcoin is just one example of a cryptocurrency, though other cryptocurrency networks are also powered via blockchain technology. Therefore, though Bitcoin uses blockchain technology in order to trade digital currency, the Blockchain is more than Bitcoin.
What is the Advantage of Using Blockchain Technology
1. Accuracy of the Chain
The transactions on the blockchain network are approved by a network of ample PCs. Therefore, it removes almost all human involvement in the process of process. Thus, it results in less human error and provides an accurate record of information.
2. Cost Reductions
Generally, the consumers pay a bank to verify the transaction or a notary to sign a document, to perform a marriage. Blockchain removes the requirement for third-party verification and reduces the associated costs. Business owners incur a small fee when they accept payments via credit cards. On the other hand, Bitcoin does not have a central authority and has a limited transaction fee.
3. Decentralization
The best part of the Blockchain is that it does not store any of its information at the central location. Instead, it is copied & then spread across a network of PCs. As soon as the brand-new block is added to the Blockchain, every PC on the network updates its Blockchain in order to show the change. By spreading that information across a network, Blockchain becomes more difficult to damage with.
4. Secure Transactions
Whenever the transaction is recorded, its authenticity should be verified by the blockchain network. Many computers on the blockchain rush to confirm the details of the purchase. Once a computer has validated the transaction, it is then added to the blockchain block. When the information or any data on a block is edited, then the block’s hash code changes. Despite the hash code on the block after, it wouldn’t. This discrepancy makes it highly difficult for information on the Blockchain to be changed without any notice.
5. It provides transparency
Generally, the blockchains are open-source software. It means that everyone can view its code. This provides auditors the ability to review the cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin for security. Moreover, it also shows that there is no absolute authority on who can control Bitcoin’s code. Thus, anyone can suggest changes to the system. In case, the majority of the network users agree that the new version of the code with the upgrade is worthwhile, then Bitcoin can be updated.
A Summary Of The Primary Differences Between Blockchain and Bitcoin
Here’s the wind up about the Blockchain and Bitcoin:
- Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency, whereas the Blockchain is a distributed database.
- Bitcoin is basically powered by blockchain technology, but Blockchain comes up with many uses beyond Bitcoin.
- Bitcoin basically promotes anonymity, whereas the Blockchain is all about transparency. To be applied in specific sectors, the Blockchain has to meet strict know your customer rules.
- Bitcoin helps to transfers currency between the users, while the Blockchain may be used to transfer all sorts of things, such as information, etc.
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