In the context of blockchain technology, a ledger is a decentralized, immutable, and transparent record of transactions. Think of it as a digital accounting book that everyone can access and verify, but no single person controls. It’s a core component of how cryptocurrencies and other blockchain-based systems operate;
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Key Characteristics
- Decentralized: The ledger isn’t stored in one central location. Instead, it’s distributed across a network of computers.
- Immutable: Once a transaction is recorded, it cannot be altered or deleted. This ensures data integrity and prevents fraud.
- Transparent: All participants in the network can view the ledger and verify transactions.
Types of Ledgers
There are different types of ledgers used in blockchain:
- Blockchain Ledger: Arranges transactions in blocks, forming a linear, chronological chain.
Ledger and Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin rely on blockchain ledgers to record every transaction. This ensures that all transactions are verifiable and secure.
Ledger Devices
Ledger also refers to hardware wallets like Ledger Nano X, used to securely store cryptocurrency private keys.