Seriously, what is blockchain?

Blockchain technology was first invented in 2008 by Satoshi Nakamoto. He or she described it as a “distributed digital ledger” where blocks hold real-world credits and debts (the latter usually called tokens).  Satoshi launched “Bitcoin” as the first cryptocurrency based on this technology. But we learned fast, and adopted even faster, finding incentive models and using the technology of decentralized ledgers to replace systems we do not longer need to trust.

Blockchains are digital ledgers that exist online where all parties to a transaction have access to the same database of records. The difference between them is that with a traditional database, information is kept in one place (the database) and controlled by a single source (a company or government). They’re completely transparent and publicly viewable.  With a decentralized network like a blockchain, everyone having access to the data keeps each other aware of updates. It becomes their job to verify the accuracy of the information as well as keep the system updated.

The blockchain is built using cryptographic techniques to ensure security. Each time someone wants to change the content in the ledger, they must submit the changed data into the system for verification and then go about putting it into the proper place within the blockchain. By having all of the participants in the network verify the same set of records, we are able to reach a consensus with each other. The integrity of the entire transaction is verified by everyone who is part of generating the block.

To create a blockchain project, you need something with the ability to make unalterable transactions that can be verified. Something that people trust will lead to an increase in price and also leads to corporate adoption.

Blockchains use cryptography to ensure the secure transmission of information from peers across the net. These tools have been used in financial services, healthcare, and any industry where security is important, such as retail. It works by combining encrypted files called blocks. Each block contains multiple records. They manage authentication and validation of both sides of the agreement forwards. There have been many successful applications of blockchain technology in other sectors, so why not work towards solving social issues?