#Blockchain technology rests on several core principles:
Decentralization: This is arguably the most crucial principle. Instead of relying on a central authority (like a bank or government) to manage and verify transactions, a blockchain distributes this responsibility across a vast network of computers (nodes).
Immutability: Once a transaction is recorded on the blockchain and added to a "block," it's virtually impossible to alter or delete it. Each block is cryptographically linked to the previous one, creating a chain of blocks. Changing one block would require altering all subsequent blocks, which is computationally infeasible due to the network's size and cryptographic security.
Transparency (with Pseudonymity): All transactions are recorded on the public ledger, making the blockchain transparent.
Security through Cryptography: Cryptographic techniques secure the blockchain in several ways:
Hashing: Each block is assigned a unique cryptographic hash – a digital fingerprint. Any change to the block's data alters its hash, instantly revealing tampering attempts.
Digital Signatures: These ensure the authenticity of transactions.
Consensus Mechanisms: These are algorithms that ensure agreement among nodes on the valid state of the blockchain. Popular consensus mechanisms include Proof-of-Work (
#POW ) and Proof-of-Stake (
#Pos $BTC ).
Distributed Ledger: The blockchain is a shared, distributed ledger replicated across numerous nodes. This redundancy ensures data availability and prevents a single point of failure. If one node fails, the others continue to maintain the blockchain's integrity.
In short
#blockchain combines these principles to create a secure, transparent, and decentralized system for recording and verifying transactions, suitable for managing various types of data beyond just cryptocurrencies. It's important to remember that different blockchain implementations may emphasize certain principles more than others.