Tech Talk: Blockchain  

Anyone who’s been following the cryptocurrency and investment industry for the past couple of years may have heard of the term “Blockchain.” The technology that is behind the cryptocurrency is responsible for several things, not only record-keeping. More and more businesses, industries, and organizations are utilizing it now. But what exactly is Blockchain? How does it work? Let’s find out.

Defining Blockchain

The concept of Blockchain might appear to be too complicated for those with no prior techie knowledge. It can be, but only to a specific point. However, its core idea is really anything but perplexing. But in short, a Blockchain is a type of peer-to-peer ledger system. It allows individuals to conduct transactions without any authority centralizing or monitoring things.

Blockchain Architecture

The technology that is Blockchain comprises of three primary components:

• Blocks

A Blockchain ledger is full of blocks. These blocks are full of information or data that are all connected to each other. In addition, a block contains information that is known as the hash. The hash’s function is to find out if a block is legitimate or not. Furthermore, the hash’s value will change from one block to another. That means any malware will have a difficult time trying to mess with a block.

• Transaction

A transaction is the lifeblood of the Blockchain architecture. It will occur when one individual trades or transfers information or data from their source to another. Any transaction that happens under Blockchain is secure since no authority has control over it.

• Consensus

A consensus is what makes a transaction valid and legitimate. It also works as a security measure to make sure that each block transaction goes well. Each Blockchain has a different consensus approach that makes it unique. Bitcoin has PoW or Proof-of-Work. Ethereum employs PoS or Proof-of-Stake.

General Consensus

• Proof-of-Work

PoW or Proof-of-work involves data miners. These miners’ primary job is to guarantee whether a transaction is validated or not. What happens is that miners will look for a hash in a new block. Once they do, the hash goes directly back into the network. The first miner who finds it receives a reward. However, mining is not really an easy task. It requires computing power and tremendous hardware to get the job done.

• Proof-of-Stake

Ethereum is the first platform to utilize this kind of consensus system. In this approach, nodes will stake coins. Ethereum has mandates and requirements when it comes to staking coins. The coins will then be a part of the overall algorithm. The neat thing about this kind of consensus is that it does not require heavy power consumption.

How Does Blockchain Work?

We will use Bitcoin as an example of how the technology works. Check it out below.

1. An investor will purchase a Bitcoin. The transaction will transfer to a network. The network has thousands of nodes working around the clock to keep things moving.
2. The nodes will confirm and validate the transaction through computer algorithms. The process is known as Bitcoin mining.
3. Once the transaction passes, it goes to a ledger block. The rest of the system will finalize the validation of the sale.
4. After that, the block connects straight to the other previous blocks of Bitcoin sales. Once the connection makes it through, the purchase is complete.

How About The Pros And Cons?

The pros:

• Blockchain transactions are free from federal overseeing or control.
• Any government does not have any firm grasp as to what happens to one Blockchain block.
• The technology also supports transaction transparency. 
• In addition, Blockchain transactions have fewer error possibilities. That is due to less human interaction.
• Transactions are also more secure since computers are the ones handling the processes.

The cons:

• Blockchain is uncontrollable. That means criminals and shady entities can utilize it as much as they wish.
• Blockchain currencies are volatile, which means they continuously drop in terms of value.
• Blockchain mining demands a lot of power and resources. That means computers will have to operate so much more, which leads to more energy consumption.

Can You Start Out With Blockchain?

You can do that with no professional assistance. But you will require mathematical skills and beefy computer hardware that will do most of the hard work. 

But the decent thing is that several companies are out to give you a hand once your plan goes awry. Some of these Blockchain service providers will help your idea get off the ground for a decent price. You can head online to see such companies, including Rapid Innovation that might meet your requirements. Finding the ideal one will be the key that improves your business or financial concern as you move and grow with Blockchain trends and technologies.

To Conclude Things

Blockchain technology continues to grow. But that does not mean you cannot give it a shot. Several alternatives allow you to get started with Blockchain. It all depends on how dedicated you can be with the investment. Good luck!