its a bunch/batch/block of data wrapped up with a hash code derived from a complex math of the contents of said data.
each block also contains the hash of the previous block of data. thus chaining the blocks together.
if the data changes, the hash changes. making it easy to spot any edits, deletions or malicious data manipulation.
blockchains can be distributed to:
thousands of independent people (of no familial, employments or friendship relationship in real life)
closed groups or organisations within a relationship/employment
blockchain has many layers of risk/safety depending on how they are set.
EG if there is only one developer team that make the upgrade decisions, this can become a central point of failure
EG if the blockchain is only distributed on systems within a company, this can become a central point of failure
EG if the block collation and hash solution(mining) is done within sole entity, this can become a central point of failure
blockchains are more secure the further they can achieve not having central points of failures. but this does not mean blockchains are not blockchains simply because they are being used inside a company on individual workers desktops
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blockchains are not required to only hold certain 'currency' data. blockchains can be used for many things.
the first example of blockchains was using a currency payment system as the data within the blockchain. this currency was bitcoin.
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blockchains that have a true cost of creating the secure block hash(PoW) are more secure then blockchains that can make blockhashes for free(PoS). because if there is no cost at risk. anyone can try to game the system. if there is cost at risk then people are more willing to stay in the rules to get paid for efforts, rather then waste money to break the rules
Very well explained,👍... I assume blockchain is the backbone technology which will be transforming several fields, in a way similar to how internet transformed world in 90s..
While bitcoin is both an application, a reward and a token of financial transaction based on blockchain.