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What is Blockchain?

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Synopsis:

In this article, we will discuss blockchain and how it works. We will talk about its features and how secure it is. We will also touch upon comparisons between blockchain and bitcoin, and banks.

Blockchain was designed to enable transparency in how data is stored and stored. It is based on a distributed ledger technology that maintains a real-time record of users of the data and thus reduces the risk of data tampering. This is different from the traditional database in the sense that instead of being owned and maintained by a single entity, this is being simultaneously maintained by multiple entities. All the users of the database operate as nodes of a network, and this decentralised approach ensures safety and transparency in maintaining records.That data is encrypted as well. Now that we understand blockchain meaning, let’s understand how blockchain works. This may not seem obviously relevant to traders and investors, but anyone with a trading account should ideally have some understanding of how blockchain works.

How Blockchains Work

A blockchain literally is what it sounds like. It's a chain made of blocks linked together. Each block contains recorded information. Blocks form a chain. The blocks contain timestamps and have lists of transactions and the hash of the previous block. The nodes-validation participants of the network-check every transaction made. The check is done with the help of consensus algorithms, which can be Proof of Work, or Proof of Stake. After verification, the transaction reaches the block, and the block gets linked to the chain. Thus, in order to alter data once entered into the blockchain, one has to make alterations throughout the rest of the chain, across blocks. This makes blockchains less susceptible to alteration of data and manipulation. 

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Blockchain Transaction Process

A blockchain transaction process begins with the initiation of a transaction. A user initiates it by sending cryptocurrency, for instance. This transaction is added to a block along with other transactions. Each block passes through a validation process before it can connect to the chain. This validation process requires the presence of a consensus algorithm. Once the block is verified and added to the chain, the transaction(s) added to the block becomes permanent. Because of the decentralised nature of this process, the control of the data doesn’t rest with one single entity. 

Blockchain Decentralization

Decentralisation is an essential aspect of blockchain technology, and defines the concept. Unlike the conventional systems of database management, where a single entity controls the flow of data through the nodes of a network, here control is distributed. Because decisions require consensus, manipulation of data can’t be carried out by one or two entities. This decentralised form of decision making ensures a lower risk of fraud or corruption. 

Blockchain Transparency

The transactions recorded in a blockchain remain transparent to everyone who has access to the data. A public ledger maintains all the records and the data is permanently stored there. Such transparency blended with security of the data being authentic, improves trust between users of the data. In areas like finance and supply chain management, the transparency that blockchain offers comes to be very beneficial. The encryption of the data ensures the privacy of the data, while the transparency offers access. This combination of features make blockchain a desirable way to store and distribute data amongst multiple users.

Is Blockchain Secure?

Its very security lies in the fact that it is decentralised and cryptographically based. For any change in historical records would imply an alteration of all the blocks that come after, while each of these transactions is encrypted and linked to the one preceding it. Moreover, because blockchain uses consensus mechanisms like Proof of Work as its underlying structure, which consumes significant computational power only ensuring that valid transactions are appended, the nature of fraud and hacking resistance is inbuilt within the system; however, particular implementations or human error can open up vulnerabilities.

Bitcoin vs. Blockchain

Aspect

Bitcoin

Blockchain

Definition


A digital currency that can be used to make peer-to-peer transactions.


The technology behind Bitcoin and other decentralized systems.


Primary Use

It is a decentralized currency for online money.


Has been used in any form of finance, from supply chain to even healthcare.


Origin

Introduced to the world in 2009 by an anonymous individual known as Satoshi Nakamoto.


Originally a platform for the Bitcoin, but now it is being used for a wide range of industries


Currency Focus


Bitcoin is a currency to use specifically for an exchange purpose


Blockchain can be used to store, authenticate, and safely secure any information digitized


Blockchain vs. Banks

Aspect

Blockchain

Banks

Control


Decentralized with one controlling


Centralized, having a controlling entity or institution in power


Transparency


Offers complete transparency; every transaction traceable to public ledger .


Transactions private and performed through the agency of the bank .


Time

Generally faster, particularly across borders.


Slower, especially across borders transactions.


Security


Highly secure because of encryption as well as decentralization.


Relatively secure; however relatively more vulnerable to fraud and hacking than blockchain .


Fees

Mostly low and significantly lower than cross border transaction charges .


Charges could be much stiffer and particularly cross-border and international transactions .


How Are Blockchains Used?

Blockchain technology expands beyond just cryptocurrency by having applications in many industries, where such transactions are transparent and secured. They minimise fraud in supply networks through tracing the origin and destination of products. Health care providers use blockchain technology to offer safe storage for patient records yet keep the patient's privacy intact. Because blockchains store ownership rights immutably encoded, they are also used with voting systems to help ensure integrity in elections and ownership of intellectual property. So, almost any business that can be interested in keeping safe data will be able to use blockchain technology easily.

Pros and Cons of Blockchain

Pros

Cons

Decentralisation ensures security


Security is costlier, most importantly, at initial stages and at the spread of technology .


Transparency provides accountability


May be slow and inefficient with large volumes of data


Fully secure and tamper proof


Risk from regulatory uncertainty in certain jurisdictions


Reduces transactions cost


May lead to illegal practice such as money laundering


Meets various usages


Storage of data is a limitation with large volumes


Benefits of Blockchains

  • Accuracy of the Chain: The fact that blockchain is decentralised makes sure that multiple entities have to approve changes to the data, which in turn makes sure that the data is accurate. 

  • Cost Reductions: Since the involvement of intermediaries is not involved in transactions between users transaction fees are reduced greatly. This is particularly beneficial in across-the-border transactions where fees are quite high.

  • Decentralisation: Since blockchain functions on a decentralised network, there is a lot more security and risk of data manipulation is reduced. 

  • Efficient Transactions: Blockchain makes it easier to handle transactions with great speed, even across long distances, providing us a better alternative to traditional banking systems.

  • Private Transactions: Since there are no intermediaries involved in this process, data privacy is maintained. Although there is transparency among the users of the data, the level of privacy it offers is quite high.

  • Secure Transactions: Thanks to data encryption and the need to get approval from multiple entities for data correction, the transactions are secure and protected in this process.

  • Transparency: Since transactions are recorded in a public ledger, the process is highly transparent and can be trusted,

  • Banking the Unbanked: Thanks to its cost-efficient process, this can give access to financial services for those who aren’t accessing traditional banking systems.  

Now that we have covered the benefits of blockchain, let’s explore its limitations as well.

Drawbacks of Blockchains

  • Technology Cost: Although the usage of blockchain systems is cost-efficient, the implementation can get expensive due to the technological requirements and infrastructure required. 

  • Speed and Data Inefficiency: When the data is in large amounts, there is a possibility of the process slowing down, due to decentralisation.

  • Illegal Activity: Anonymity in some blockchain systems has led to some illicit uses, including money laundering, and even running illegal online markets. 

  • Regulation: The legality status of blockchain and cryptocurrencies is not yet defined; therefore, in several regions, there is regulatory uncertainty that makes adopting at risk.

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Conclusion

Blockchain technology has been designed to store information and transfer in an open, safe manner. Openness makes blockchain technology foster trust, yet it's highly secure because of decentralisation and encryption. Although blockchain technology has particularly many disadvantages in terms of high technical costs and uncertainty regarding regulatory clarity, applications in finance, healthcare, and more fields will make this technology indispensable for the future.

Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.

This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

For All Disclaimers Click Here: https://bit.ly/3Tcsfuc

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is blockchain technology and how does it work?

Answer Field

Blockchain is a decentralised digital ledger that stores data across multiple nodes in a network. It works by recording transactions in blocks, which are verified and added to a chain. Each block is linked to the previous one using cryptography, ensuring security and immutability.

What are the key features of blockchain?

Answer Field

Key features of blockchain include decentralisation, transparency, security, and immutability. Blockchain is also tamper-resistant due to its consensus mechanisms, and it enables efficient and trustless transactions between parties.

How is blockchain different from traditional databases?

Answer Field

Unlike traditional databases, which are controlled by a single entity, blockchain operates across a decentralised network. Data in a blockchain is also immutable, meaning once added, it cannot be altered, which adds a layer of security and trust.

What are the main applications of blockchain beyond cryptocurrency?

Answer Field

Beyond cryptocurrency, blockchain is used in supply chain management, healthcare for secure patient records, voting systems to ensure election integrity, and intellectual property protection by recording ownership rights in a tamper-proof manner.

Is blockchain secure? How does it ensure data integrity?

Answer Field

Yes, blockchain is highly secure due to its decentralised nature and cryptographic hashing. Data integrity is maintained by consensus mechanisms, which verify transactions before they are added to the blockchain, preventing tampering or unauthorised changes.

What are the different types of blockchains (public, private, consortium)?

Answer Field

There are three main types of blockchains: public (open to anyone), private (restricted to specific participants), and consortium (a hybrid between public and private, controlled by a group of organisations). Each serves different purposes based on security and accessibility needs.

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