What is Blockchain Technology?
Blockchain technology is a distributed database that allows for secure, transparent and tamper-proof transactions. Transactions are verified by network nodes and recorded in a public ledger. Bitcoin, Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies are based on blockchain technology.
What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is a digital asset and a payment system invented by Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin is unique in that there are a finite number of them: 21 million. They are created as a reward for a process known as mining. They can be exchanged for other currencies, products, and services. As of February 2015, over 100,000 merchants and vendors accepted bitcoin as payment.
What is a distributed ledger?
A distributed ledger is a digital ledger of all transactions that take place on a network. Transactions are grouped into blocks, and each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data. Transactions are then grouped into transactions chains, and each transaction chain includes a cryptographic link to the previous transaction chain. The network verifies the validity of each block by checking the cryptographic hash against the previous block.
What are smart contracts?
Smart contracts are agreements that are self-executing, meaning that once all the conditions of the contract have been met, the terms of the contract are automatically carried out. This eliminates the need for a third party to mediate or arbitrate disputes, and allows for transparency and trust between all involved.
How does blockchain work?
A blockchain is a digital ledger of all cryptocurrency transactions. It is constantly growing as "completed" blocks are added to it with a new set of recordings. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data. Bitcoin nodes use the block chain to differentiate legitimate Bitcoin transactions from attempts to re-spend coins that have already been spent elsewhere.
Who creates a blockchain?
A blockchain is a digital ledger of all cryptocurrency transactions. It is constantly growing as "completed" blocks are added to it with a new set of recordings. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp and transaction data. Bitcoin nodes use the block chain to differentiate legitimate Bitcoin transactions from attempts to re-spend coins that have already been spent elsewhere.
What is the difference between blockchains and virtual currencies?
Blockchains are digital ledger systems that use cryptography to secure the transactions and to control the creation of new units. Bitcoin, the first and most well-known blockchain, was created in 2009. Virtual currencies are tokens or coins that use technology to facilitate transactions. Bitcoin, the most well-known virtual currency, is used to purchase goods and services.