Blockchain technology in a nutshell
In 2008, Bitcoin introduced blockchain technology to the world. Since Satoshi Nakamoto published the Bitcoin whitepaper in October 2008, blockchain has become the most recent technology hype. This technology is feared by many business owners because they believe that it can only be used with cryptocurrencies. To clear up the scope of blockchain technology, we will discuss the applications of blockchain in this article.
Blockchain is an immutable, decentralized, and distributed digital ledger. Blockchain is like a ledger, mostly used to store details of transactions, whereas a ledger is a record of transactions.
Blockchain Structure
“Blockchain” is a network of blocks that are connected to one another. The data in a blockchain block (usually related to transactions) is also stored, along with its hash value and the timestamp of its creation. An algorithm (hash function) is used to compute the hash value of a block. Because the previous block’s hash is stored in every block, every block in a blockchain is connected to the previous block.
Blockchain applications
- Financial transactions
Compared to traditional money transfer applications, blockchain-based applications are undoubtedly more secure. Using blockchain, cross-border financial transfers can be processed more efficiently and at a lower cost.
- E-voting
A safe and secure method of voting must be in use with the vote count not able to be tampered with and only authorized voters being allowed to cast their votes. Blockchain technology can be used to accomplish this. Due to the immutability of the blockchain, votes cannot be manipulated. A blockchain also ensures that double voting won’t happen since votes are recorded as blocks.
- Insurance sector
Frauds are also prevalent in the insurance sector. In addition to automating claims, smart contracts can also help avoid the need for third parties to intervene in the process. Smart contracts are pieces of code on the blockchain that run when certain conditions are met.
- Opened to the public budget system
Each year, we hear about the financial budgets announced by countries around the world and in our country as well. Having a transparent budget system can help with the tracking of all government expenditures, which will give people confidence that the money is well spent.
- Smart devices
Smart devices can store data using blockchains. There is an identifier (such as a device ID) and password associated with each device.
- Money lending
The lending and taking of loans are also quite problematic in the physical model. Blockchain technology, however, can streamline this process. Loan-lending procedures can be facilitated with smart contracts. In addition, there is no need for middlemen here.
- Property
Double spending is a common problem in real estate. Builders often send plots to two or more parties at once. Using blockchain technology, all of these frauds can be prevented since each property transaction can be included in a block of the blockchain.
Final thoughts
As of now, blockchain has a scope that exceeds the limits of its current applications. Since there are so many applications, there are very few developers available. As a developer, learning blockchain technology can be extremely beneficial.
