A Beginner's Guide to

Blockchain

Blockchain is a powerful technology with a wide range of potential applications. Although still in relatively early stages of development, it’s already revolutionizing a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and logistics.

Although a relatively new technology – and one often associated with Bitcoin and cryptocurrency – blockchain is increasingly being used to help make business operations more secure, accurate, affordable, and efficient.

What Is Blockchain?

Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that allows for secure, transparent, and tamper-proof transactions. It is a decentralized database that is shared across a network of computers. Each block in the chain contains a record of transactions, and each new block is linked to the previous block using cryptography. This makes it very difficult to change or hack the blockchain.

How Does Blockchain Work?

Blockchain works by using a distributed network of computers to verify and record transactions. When a new transaction is created, it is broadcast to the network. The nodes in the network then verify the transaction using cryptography. Once the transaction is verified, it is added to a new block. The new block is then linked to the previous block, and the chain continues to grow.

What Are the Benefits of Blockchain?

There are many benefits to using blockchain technology. Some of the key benefits include:

  • Blockchain is an incredibly secure technology. The fact that it is distributed across a network of computers makes it very difficult to hack or tamper with.
  • Blockchain is a transparent technology. All transactions are recorded on the blockchain, and anyone can view them. This makes it a very transparent way to track transactions.
  • Blockchain is an immutable technology. Once a transaction is recorded on the blockchain, it cannot be changed. This makes it a reliable way to store data.

What Are the Applications of Blockchain?

Blockchain technology has a wide range of potential applications, such as:

  • Financial services: Blockchain can be used to record financial transactions, such as payments and loans. Its use can help to reduce fraud and make financial transactions more efficient.
  • Supply chain management: Blockchain can be used to track the movement of goods through the supply chain, positively impacting efficiency and transparency.
  • Healthcare: Blockchain can be used to securely store and share medical records, with implications for patient care and physician-to-physician communications.
  • Voting: Blockchain can be used to create a secure and transparent voting system, simultaneously helping prevent fraud and making it easier for people to vote.

How Can I Learn More About Blockchain?

We’ve written extensively about blockchain technology in the Revelry blog. Check out a few of our posts:

History of Cryptocurrency

Micropayments: Where They At?

The Bitcoin Extended Public Key: Explaining the Mystery

“Put It on the Blockchain”: How Bitcoin Technology Is Revolutionizing Everything

At Revelry, we love this stuff. If you’d like to chat more about blockchain (or any aspect of product development), let’s connect – and build something amazing together.