The blockchain data structure is a decentralized, distributed ledger that records transactions across multiple computers in such a way that the registered transactions cannot be altered retroactively. This structure is composed of individual blocks of data, which include transactions and a cryptographic hash of the previous block, linking them in a chronological and secure manner.
Key Components of the Blockchain Data Structure
Blocks: Each block in a blockchain contains a list of transactions, the cryptographic hash of the previous block, and a timestamp. This design ensures that every block is intrinsically linked to its predecessor, forming a chain. The first block in any blockchain is known as the genesis block[1][2].
Cryptography: Blocks are linked to each other through a cryptographic hash. Each block contains the hash of its previous block, which secures the chain and prevents any alteration of the block data once it has been added to the blockchain. This hash function is a one-way cryptographic algorithm, primarily using SHA256, which converts an input into a fixed-size string of bytes[2][4].
Decentralization: Unlike traditional databases that store data in a centralized location, blockchain copies the ledger and distributes it across a network of computers, known as nodes. This decentralization ensures that no single entity has control over the entire blockchain, thereby increasing security and reducing the risk of fraud[1][5].
Consensus Mechanisms: To add a new block to the chain, blockchain networks use various consensus algorithms like Proof of Work (PoW) or Proof of Stake (PoS). These mechanisms allow decentralize...
