What is Blockchain and How Does it Work?

What is Blockchain and How Does it Work?

If you’re even a little bit familiar with cryptocurrency and decentralised finance, you must have heard of the word ‘Blockchain”.

A blockchain is a database or, as it’s uncommonly called, distributed ledger technology. As a special kind of database, a Blockchain has specific unique properties - there are rules about how users can add data, and it’s impossible to change the data after it has been added.

Data and information on the Blockchain are stored in what is called a ‘block’. Each block is stacked on the last, linked by a strand of information called an ‘identifier’. If you look at the block on the top of the chain, you’d be able to see it’s been created after the one under it. If you look at the one under it, you’d see the same thing. And on and on, until you reach the first block, what is known as the ‘genesis block.

Think of it like this. Each block is a piece of information with a unique string ‘chaining’ it to the one above it. You can’t change the data in one block without changing the data above it. This makes it impossible to alter data in any block without notice; the whole chain of blocks changes.

Blockchains operate via the peer-to-peer network, a layer of users. There’s no topmost administrator when it comes to blockchains. Every user is equal and stores all the information on the Blockchain for themselves. Peer-to-peer networks also mean that users can communicate without the need for a middleman to interpret.

Because each user has access to and a copy of the Blockchain, it doesn’t matter when one person leaves the Blockchain; there’s still a copy of it with every user. When a new block is added, the information is broadcast on the network so that each user will have an updated version. Users interact with the Blockchain through ‘nodes’. Nodes are what connect to the network and store copies of the Blockchain.

How does the Blockchain work?

The fingerprint or unique string of a block is known as a ‘hash’. When a block is created, its hash is also created and stored. If something changes in the block, its hash also changes. If a block’s hash is changed, the block changes as well. The block’s fingerprint, or hash, is the final piece of a new block. Changing one block or altering the information causes a domino-like effect in the rest of the blocks.

Making transactions on the Blockchain

Completing a transaction on the Blockchain is similar to completing a transaction through the bank. The difference is there is no central authority.

As an example, if B wants to send bitcoin to Z, B would broadcast this decision to the network for other nodes to see. When this transaction is made, the nodes receive this information and update their copy of the blockchain ledger to reflect it. Because the transaction information has been broadcast to the network, B can’t send those exact coins to another user K.

On the other hand, to receive these coins/funds, Z needs to have a private key. A private key is a string of random numbers and letters unique to only Z. This private key allows Z to prove ownership of the funds in their account. In addition to the private key, Z also has a public key derived from the private key. This public key can be given to anyone as it’s impossible to get the private key from the public key. Z can also generate a public address with the public key via hashing. This public address is given to other users who want to send funds to Z.

Creating new blocks on the Blockchain

The blockchain network is permissionless, i.e. there’s no central authority that permits users to act. Because of this, block creation is accessible to everyone.

Blockchain protocols, which are the set of rules that establish the structure of the Blockchain, ensure this by making anyone who wants to create a new block put down money to enable them to create blocks. Kind of like insuring against the possibility of cheating by making it expensive.

If someone is trying to create a new block cheats, the rest of the network will be informed, and the money that acts as risk insurance will be lost.

What is Blockchain used for?

Blockchain and blockchain technology has a wide range of uses. In all actuality, we haven’t fully explored blockchain technology and its applications.

Financial transactions

Possibly the most common application of blockchain technology, completing financial transactions on the Blockchain is easier, faster, and generally more stress-free than traditional financial transactions. Many companies now offer users the option of decentralised financial transactions, helping them have greater control and security over the transactions. Using Blockchain can also remove the hassle when it comes to international transfers. It also offers financial investors more autonomy over their assets.

Healthcare

Storing medical records accurately is essential for any healthcare system. The security of the Blockchain makes it ideal for storing medical information. Using the Blockchain to store medical information allows patients to maintain their privacy and share their medical information with their medical institution.

Securing Identities

Storing your identity on a public blockchain is safer than having it in the hands of a centralised authority where it can be hacked and accessed or monitored by machine learning algorithms without consent. Securing identity on the Blockchain means that users would only reveal information to third parties when it’s necessary. Securing your identity on the Blockchain can also be a stepping stone to other things that identity unlocks, e.g. voting in elections - blockchain technology would ensure that only eligible people can vote, thereby cutting costs and reducing fraud.

Non-fungible Tokens

Non-fungible tokens or NFTs are a way for people to own the rights to digital art. The Blockchain doesn’t allow the same data to be stored in two different places. Putting art on the Blockchain ensures that only a copy of the file exists in the digital space. NFTs aren’t just limited to art, though; they can be used to confirm ownership of anything that data can represent.

How Obiex Uses Blockchain Technology To Save Time and Money for their Users

Blockchain confirmation time is the amount of time between when a blockchain transaction is sent to the network and when it is recorded as a confirmed block. It is the time it takes for a user’s crypto transaction to be confirmed and validated.

The period between submission and confirmation varies based on changing demand and other individual factors. The longer the confirmation period, the more chance users will lose money and time. To tackle this challenge, Obiex lets traders carry out transactions without waiting for blockchain confirmation. This means you can swap coins instantly and receive payments to your wallet or local account immediately or within a short time.

If you would like to know more about how to buy and swap cryptocurrency on Obiex, this short guide has all you need to know.

What is the Future of Blockchain technology?

Blockchain technology has made significant strides in so little time and will continue to intersect with every phase of life. The possibilities of blockchain technology are endless, and we’ve only just skimmed the surface of what is achievable.

With improvements to the existing structures in place, Blockchain technology is well to revolutionise the world.

Takeaway

  • A Blockchain is a database that uses distributed ledger technology to function.
  • Blockchain technology can be used for financial transactions, real estate and healthcare services.
  • Blockchain can be used to execute smart contracts and support NFTs.