Blockchain is a decentralized, digital ledger technology that allows for secure and transparent record-keeping of transactions. It was originally developed for Bitcoin, a digital currency, but has since been adopted by various industries for its potential to improve data integrity, transparency, and security.
A blockchain is a continuously growing chain of blocks, where each block contains a record of recent transactions. These blocks are connected in chronological order and are secured using cryptography. Once a block is added to the chain, it cannot be altered or deleted without invalidating the entire chain, which makes it highly resistant to tampering and fraud.
Blockchain technology enables parties to transact directly without intermediaries, such as banks, by using a consensus mechanism that ensures all parties agree on the accuracy of the transaction. This allows for faster and more cost-effective transactions, reduces the risk of errors, and provides a high level of security.
Blockchain has numerous potential applications beyond financial services, including supply chain management, healthcare, identity management, voting systems, and more.