What do you know about blockchain?
You might have heard it associated with terms such as cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, or even transparency and security. But do you know how decentralised systems work?
Blockchain technology is revolutionising the way businesses operate, and as the adoption of these decentralised systems grows in the market, it is time to start paying more attention to them.
In this article, you can learn more about what blockchain is, its applications and more significant challenges.
Article Contents
Understanding Blockchain Development
Blockchain development refers to the creation and maintenance of a blockchain: a decentralised, distributed ledger that records every transaction of assets and allows information to be accessed by every participant.
The key components of blockchain development are.
- Consensus mechanisms
- Cryptography
- Smart contracts
- Distributed network
Blockchain does not have a central authority or intermediary controlling the transactions.
Instead, the platform is distributed across a network of computers, and each participant can play an equal part in the decision-making process.
This system is significantly different from traditional ones, which are centralised.
Centralized systems depend on an authoritative figure, which can either be one person or a group within a government or corporation, to control and approve every transaction.
Types Of Blockchains
Blockchain always works under the same principles, but it can take a lot of forms.
Three of the best-known types of blockchains are public blockchain, private blockchain, and hybrid blockchain.
Public Blockchains
Public blockchains are open networks everyone can join and participate in. In these platforms, the transactions are validated by members through consensus mechanisms.
That means that in addition to being distributed, the system is also decentralized.
Furthermore, every transaction is recorded and visible to all participants, enhancing transparency and security.
Private Blockchains
On the other hand, private blockchains have restricted access. This type of blockchain is usually preferred by enterprises, who use it to manage internal processes.
Also unlike public blockchains, private blockchains are not decentralized, as they have a single entity controlling all actions within the platform.
Although decentralized systems are very secure, the fact that accesses are restricted increases privacy and data security.
Hybrid Blockchains
Hybrid blockchains gather the best of both worlds by combining the characteristics of public and private ledgers.
This type of blockchain comprises a public main chain visible to everyone and a private side chain where users handle specific matters in privacy.
Hybrid blockchains allow organisations to take advantage of the transparency of public systems and the privacy control of private blockchains.
Applications Of Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology has been getting increasingly popular across several different industries.
Its promise of transparency, security, and decentralization has gotten the attention and entrepreneurial heart of many business owners who see blockchain as a welcome innovation.
If in the early days of blockchain, its primary use was related to cryptocurrency, now we have begun to find this technology in several other fields, such as:
- Gaming
- Supply chain management
- Financial services
- Healthcare
- Real-estate
- Voting
- Education
- Media
Challenges In Blockchain Development
Despite its steady and significant growth among industries, blockchain development and application carry challenges that require new approaches and solutions.
Blockchain developers continuously research new ways to fix common issues that impact this technology’s potential. Some of the most relevant challenges they face are:
Scalability
Current blockchain networks cannot handle many transactions per second, creating a significant delay in the service. That makes it difficult to adopt blockchain technology in large-scale operations.
Interoperability
Because different blockchains have distinct protocols and mechanisms, it is not always possible to share data across networks.
To do so, you usually have to use a centralized bridge to make conversions, which can create a lack of transparency and delays.
Governance
As a decentralized platform, blockchain does not rely on a central authority for control and clearance.
Despite bringing transparency and security to the system, it also creates a few problems.
The lack of authority or hierarchy raises issues in decision-making processes, as it can be more difficult to reach a consensus on important matters.
Security
As a decentralised and distributed ledger, blockchain is one of the most secure technologies in the market right now. However, it is not entirely resistant to cybercrimes.
Conclusion
Blockchain development is the process of creating and maintenance of distributed ledgers called blockchains.
Blockchains can be public, private or hybrid, which means that the level of openness to participants may vary according to the type of blockchain developers create.
Blockchain technology has been getting more popular among enterprises that seek transparency in their operations, despite the several challenges this type of platform still faces.
However, although the future is uncertain, it is safe to assume that decentralized systems’ developers are only getting started.
