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Blockchain for Beginners: Understanding the Blockchain Basics

Blockchain is a technical term we have often heard while dealing with crypto markets and cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc. But we may have focused less broadly on this term as our main focus is on dealing with our crypto coins by trading or storing them.

Blockchain is a distributed database or ledger shared among a computer network’s nodes. Therefore, it is stored in a digital format electronically.

It also guarantees the fidelity and security of a data record and generates trust without the need for a trusted third party.

Although we don’t deal with it directly, it carries an essential function, as it connects peer-to-peer networks.

Blockchain first came into effect in 2009 when Satoshi Nakamoto developed bitcoin with its help, which remains among the best crypto to buy now.

In easy terms, just as a ledger is maintained to account for transactions. In the same way, blockchains keep a record of transactions in terms of Blocks.

What Can Be Stored In Blockchain?

As blockchain is a ‘block of chains’, the first thing stored in these blocks is relevant information, as in taking the trading of a bitcoin, where it has come from, and where it is going.

Hash is another thing stored in a block. It can be understood as a unique fingerprint, just like we give our biometrics for legal purposes, and in return, we get a unique address. The previous Hash is the third thing we find in the block, which as the term, simply denotes how our previous hash has been saved onto the next one. The first block is also known as the genesis block. And this also makes it easier for a person to track and trust these blocks.

How Does It Work?

The basic goal of a blockchain is to allow digital information to be recorded and distributed, but not edited, in the same way. No record can be altered, deleted, or destroyed. This also explains why we call it Distributed Ledger Technology(DTL).

Transaction Process

As the transaction is entered in cryptocurrency platforms, it is then transmitted to a network of peer-to-peer computers scattered worldwide. This network of computers then solves the equation to confirm the transaction’s validity. Once confirmed to be legitimate transactions, they are clustered together into blocks. These blocks are then chained together, creating a long history of all permanent transactions. And the transaction gets completed.

Nature Of Decentralization

As previously, when we wanted to transfer some money from the US to Kuwait, we first needed to convert the US dollar into Kuwaiti Dinar. On the other hand, now these intermediaries ‘banks’ have been removed, and only blockchains transactions are valid, which charge little fees compared to banks.

Nature Of Transparency

As the sole reason is the decentralization of the blockchain, all transactions are transparent and can be viewed by either having a personal node or using blockchain explorers.

How Widely are these Used?

More than 10,000 other cryptocurrency systems, including the top cryptocurrency, are running on blockchains. Even big companies such as Pfizer and Unilever have already incorporated blockchain. The suggestion to use blockchains in banking and finance can add to the betterment of these processes as well. Blockchains are superior at the time to any other form of digital ledger or record keeping. The financial institution mostly does not work post their business hours, and it might even take hours sometimes to transact. On the other hand, using blockchains would greatly add to the advantage of the transaction being easy, fast, and secure.

Therefore, one should consider using blockchains on a wider platform to keep surviving and going ahead and make the process easier, cheaper, and more secure. If you are keen to stay updated with its new developments, subscribing to our website can be helpful.

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