Blockchain technology and Cryptocurrency : Explained in simple words

You may have heard the term ‘Blockchain’ and dismissed it as a buzzword, or even a technical jargon. But I believe blockchain is a technological advance that will have wide-reaching implications that will not just transform financial services but many other businesses and industries.

Imagine a world where you can send money directly to someone without a bank – in seconds instead of days, and you don’t pay exorbitant bank fees. Or one where you store money in an online wallet not tied to a bank, meaning you are your own bank and have complete control over your money. You don’t need a bank’s permission to access or move it, and never have to worry about a third party taking it away, or a government’s economic policy manipulating it.

This is not a world of the future; it is a world that an avid but growing number of early adopters live in right now. And these are just a few of the important blockchain technology use cases that are transforming the way we trust and exchange value. Yet, for many, blockchain technology is still a mysterious or even intimidating topic. Some even remain skeptical that we’ll use this technology in the future. This skepticism that exists today is understandable because we’re still very early in the development and widespread adoption of blockchain technology.

" The blockchain symbolizes a shift in power from the centers to the edges of the networks." - William Mougayar

2022 is to blockchain what the late 1990s were to the internet. And like the internet, blockchain technology is anything but a fad, it’s here to stay, and if you’re reading this, you’re early too.

What is Blockchain?

Blockchain can be defined as a chain of blocks that contains information. The technique is intended to timestamp digital documents so that it’s not possible to backdate them or temper them. The purpose of blockchain is to solve the double records problem without the need for a central server.

The blockchain is used for the secure transfer of items like money, property, contracts, etc. without requiring a third-party intermediary like a bank or government. Once data is recorded inside a blockchain, it is very difficult to change it.

The blockchain is a software protocol (like SMTP is for email). Hence, Blockchains could not be run without the Internet. It is also called meta-technology as it affects other technologies. It is comprised of several pieces: a database, software application, some connected computers, etc.

Sometimes the term is used for Bitcoin Blockchain or The Ethereum Blockchain, and sometimes, it’s other virtual currencies or digital tokens. However, most of them are talking about distributed ledgers.

What Blockchain is NOT!

• Blockchain is not Bitcoin, but it is the technology behind Bitcoin
• Bitcoin is the digital token, and the blockchain is the ledger to keep track of who owns the digital tokens
• You can’t have Bitcoin without blockchain, but you can have a blockchain without Bitcoin.

Blockchain Architecture

Let’s understand the Blockchain architecture by understanding its various components:

What is a Block?

A Blockchain is a chain of blocks that contain information. The data which is stored inside a block depends on the type of blockchain.

For Example, A Bitcoin Block contains information about the Sender, Receiver, number of bitcoins to be transferred.

The first block in the chain is called the?Genesis block. Each new block in the chain is linked to the previous block.

Understanding SHA256 – Hash

A block also has a hash. A hash can be understood as a fingerprint which is unique to each block. It identifies a block and all of its contents, and it’s always unique, just like a fingerprint. So once a block is created, any change inside the block will cause the Hash to change.

Therefore, the Hash is very useful when you want to detect changes to intersections. If the fingerprint of a block changes, it does not remain the same block.

Each Block has:

1. Data
2. Hash
3. Hash of the previous block

Consider the following example, where we have a chain of 3 blocks. The 1st?block has no predecessor. Hence, it does not contain has the previous block. Block 2 contains a hash of block 1. While block 3 contains Hash of block 2.

Hence, all blocks are contained hashes of previous blocks. This is the technique that makes a blockchain so secure. Let’s see how it works –

Assume a hacker can change the data present in Block 2. Correspondingly, the Hash of the Block also changes. But Block 3 still contains the old Hash of Block 2. This makes Block 3, and all succeeding blocks invalid as they do not have the correct Hash of the previous block.

Therefore, changing a single block can quickly make all following blocks invalid.

Proof of Work

Hashes are an excellent mechanism to prevent tempering, but computers these days are high-speed and can calculate hundreds of thousands of hashes per second. In a matter of a few minutes, an attacker can tamper with a block and then recalculate all the hashes of other blocks to make the blockchain valid again.

To avoid the issue, blockchains use the concept of Proof-of-Work. It is a mechanism that slows down the creation of the new blocks.

A proof-of-work is a computational problem that takes a certain to effort to solve. But the time required to verify the results of the computational problem is very less compared to the effort it takes to solve the computational problem itself.

In the case of Bitcoin, it takes almost 10 minutes to calculate the required proof-of-work to add a new block to the chain. Considering our example, if a hacker would to change data in Block 2, he would need to perform proof of work (which would take 10 minutes) and only then make changes in Block 3 and all the succeeding blocks.

This kind of mechanism makes it quite tough to tamper with the blocks, so even if you tamper with even a single block, you will need to recalculate the proof-of-work for all the following blocks. Thus, hashing and proof-of-work mechanisms make a blockchain secure.

Distributed P2P Network

However, there is one more method which is used by blockchains to secure themselves, and that’s by being distributed. Instead of using a central entity to manage the chain, Blockchains use a distributed peer-peer network, and everyone is allowed to join. When someone enters this network, he will get the full copy of the blockchain. Each computer is called a node.

Let’s see what happens when any user creates a new block. This new block is sent to all the users on the network. Each node needs to verify the block to make sure that it hasn’t been altered. After complete checking, each node adds this block to their blockchain.

All these nodes in this network create a?consensus. They agree about which blocks are valid and which are not. Nodes in the network will reject blocks that are tampered with.

So, to successfully tamper with a blockchain

1. You will need to tamper with all blocks on the chain
2. Redo the proof-of-work for each block
3. Take control of greater than 50% of the peer-to-peer network.

After doing all these, your tampered block becomes accepted by everyone else. This is next to an impossible task. Hence, Blockchains are so secure.

How Blockchain Works?

Step 1)?Some person requests a transaction. The transaction could be involved cryptocurrency, contracts, records, or other information.

Step 2)?The requested transaction is broadcasted to a P2P network with the help of nodes.

Step 3)?The network of nodes validates the transaction and the user’s status with the help of known algorithms.

Step 4)?Once the transaction is complete, the new block is then added to the existing blockchain. In such a way that is permanent and unalterable.

Why do we need Blockchain?

Here are some reasons why Blockchain technology has become so popular.

Resilience:?Blockchains is often replicated architecture. The chain is still operated by most nodes in the event of a massive attack against the system.

Time reduction:?In the financial industry, blockchain can play a vital role by allowing the quicker settlement of trades as it does not need a lengthy process of verification, settlement, and clearance because a single version of agreed-upon data of the shared ledger is available between all stack holders.

Reliability:?Blockchain certifies and verifies the identities of the interested parties. This removes double records, reduces rates, and accelerates transactions.

Unchangeable transactions:?By registering transactions in chronological order, Blockchain certifies the inalterability of all operations, which means when any new block has been added to the chain of ledgers, it cannot be removed or modified.

Fraud prevention:?The concepts of shared information and consensus prevent possible losses due to fraud or embezzlement. In logistics-based industries, blockchain as a monitoring mechanism act to reduce costs.

Security:?Attacking a traditional database is the bringing down of a specific target. With the help of Distributed Ledger Technology, each party holds a copy of the original chain, so the system remains operative, even a large number of other nodes fall.

Transparency:?Changes to public blockchains are publicly viewable to everyone. This offers greater transparency, and all transactions are immutable.

Collaboration?– Allows parties to transact directly with each other without the need for mediating third parties.

Decentralized:?There are standards rules on how every node exchanges the blockchain information. This method ensures that all transactions are validated and all valid transactions are added one by one.

Blockchain versions

Let's understand the Blockchain versions.

Blockchain 1.0: Currency

The implementation of DLT (distributed ledger technology) led to its first and obvious application: Cryptocurrencies. This allows financial transactions based on blockchain technology. It is used in currency and payments. Bitcoin is the most prominent example in this segment.

Blockchain 2.0: Smart Contracts

The new key concepts are Smart Contracts, small computer programs that “live” in the blockchain. They are free computer programs that execute automatically and check conditions defined earlier like facilitation, verification, or enforcement. It is used as a replacement for traditional contracts.

Blockchain 3.0: DApps:

DApps is an abbreviation of decentralized application. It has its backend code running on a decentralized peer-to-peer network. A DApp can have frontend Blockchain example code and user interfaces written in any language that can make a call to its backend, like a traditional App.

Blockchain Variants

Public:

In this type of blockchain, ledgers are visible to everyone on the internet. It allows anyone to verify and add a block of transactions to the blockchain. Public networks have incentives for people to join and are free for use. Anyone can use a public blockchain network.

Private:

The private blockchain is within a single organization. It allows only specific people of the organization to verify and add transaction blocks. However, everyone on the internet is generally allowed to view it.

Consortium:

In this Blockchain variant, only a group of organizations can verify and add transactions. Here, the ledger can be open or restricted to select groups. Consortium blockchain is used cross-organizations. It is only controlled by pre-authorized nodes.

Blockchain Use Cases

Blockchain Technology is used widely in the different sectors as given in the following table.

Important Real-Life Use Cases of Blockchain

1.Dubai: The Smart City

In the year 2016, smart Dubai office introduced Blockchain strategy. Using this technology, entrepreneurs and developers will be able to connect with investor and leading companies. The objective is to implement blockchain based system which favors the development of various kinds of industries to make Dubai ‘the happiest city in the world.’

2. Incent Customer retention

Incent is CRaaS (Consumer retention as a service) based on Blockchain technology. It is a loyalty program which is based on generating tokens for businesses affiliated with its related network. In this system, blockchain is exchanged instantaneously, and it can be stored in digital portfolios of user’s phones or accessing through the browser.

3. Blockchain for Humanitarian Aid

In January 2017, the united nations world food program started a project called humanitarian aid. The project was developed in rural areas of the Sindh region of Pakistan. By using the Blockchain technology, beneficiaries received money, food and all type of transactions are registered on a blockchain to ensure security and transparency of this process.

Bitcoin cryptocurrency: Most Popular Application of Blockchain

What is Cryptocurrency?

A cryptocurrency is one medium of exchange like traditional currencies such as USD, but it is designed to exchange the digital information through a process made possible by certain principles of cryptography. A cryptocurrency is a digital currency and is classified as a subset of alternative currencies and virtual currencies.

Cryptocurrency is a bearer instrument based on digital cryptography. In this kind of cryptocurrency, the holder has of the currency has ownership. No other record kept as to the identity of the owner. In the year 1998, Wei Dai published “B-Money,” an anonymous, distributed electronic cash system.

What is Bitcoin?

Bitcoin was launched in 2009 by an unknown person called Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin is a Peer-to-Peer technology that is not governed by any central authority or banks. Currently, issuing Bitcoins and managing transactions are carried out collectively in the network. It is presently the dominant cryptocurrency in the world. It is open source and designed for the general public means nobody owns the control of the Bitcoin. In fact, there are only 21 million Bitcoins issued. Currently, Bitcoin has a market cap of $12 billion.

Anyone can use bitcoin without paying any process fees. If you are handling Bitcoin, the sender and receiver transact directly without using a third party.

Blockchain and Bitcoin:

The blockchain is the technology behind Bitcoin. Bitcoin is the digital token, and blockchain is the ledger that keeps track of who owns the digital tokens. You can’t have Bitcoin without blockchain, but you can have blockchain without Bitcoin.

Other prominent cryptocurrencies

1. Ethereum (ETH)
2. Litecoin (LTC)
3. Cardano (ADA)
4. Polkadot (DOT)
5. Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
6. Stellar (XLM)
7. Dogecoin (DOGE)
8. Binance Coin (BNB)

Blockchain Vs Shared Database

Myths about Blockchain

Applications of Blockchain Technology

Here are some common applications of Blockchain:

• It is used to create a secure and transparent digital ledger of all transactions.
• It allows you to create a tamper-proof record of academic achievement that is accessible to all students and teachers.
• It is used for creating a more efficient system for trading securities.
• Lenders use blockchain to execute collateralized loans through smart contracts
• Using blockchain technology to record real estate transactions can provide a more secure and accessible means of verifying and transferring ownership.
• Use for keeping data like Social Security number, date of birth, and other identifying information on a public ledger.
• Blockchain technology is also used in the logistics industry as it helps to track items as they move through a logistics or supply chain network.

Limitations of Blockchain technology

Now in this beginners Blockchain tutorial, we will learn about limitations of Blockchain technology:

Higher costs:?Nodes seek higher rewards for completing Transactions in a business that work on the principle of Supply and Demand

Smaller ledger:?It is not possible to a full copy of the Blockchain, potentially which can affect immutability, consensus, etc.

Transaction costs, network speed:?The transactions cost of Bitcoin is quite high after being touted as ‘nearly free’ for the first few years.

Risk of error:?There is always a risk of error, as long as the human factor is involved. In case a blockchain serves as a database, all the incoming data has to be of high quality. However, human involvement can quickly resolve the error.

Wasteful:?Every node that runs the blockchain has to maintain consensus across the blockchain. This offers very low downtime and makes data stored on the blockchain forever unchangeable. However, all this is wasteful because each node repeats a task to reach a consensus.

Final Wrap Up

Blockchain technology is only scratching the surface. As more people adopt the technology, we will begin to see how it will change life for businesses, supply chains, medical networks, and individual investors.

Although Bitcoin and Ethereum are the two primary blockchain applications, thousands of digital currency options use the technology. We are still discovering if digital currency will replace traditional payment methods, but the life-changing applications are endless.

Blockchain Is the Present and the Future

With many promising real-world use cases like faster cross-border payments and smart contracts, blockchain technology is here to stay.

As more companies realize how the blockchain can help them, they’ll commit more resources, money, and time into the technology—and even more use cases will emerge. While I understand that blockchain technology will remain a complex topic for many, it really doesn’t have to be for you.

I hope this article gave you the confidence to have conversations with friends and acquaintances about the blockchain and that it demystified and simplified an often scary topic. Refer to it whenever you need to brush up on any blockchain concepts.

Most importantly, I hope it lit a small fire in you to learn even more about a technology that’s fundamentally changing the way we trust and exchange value.

"I think that governments are going to get disrupted by the blockchain. I think in the same way that the Internet forced everyone to evolve, the Blockchain is going to change the game again." - Adam Draper