It is a data structure (stacks and queues are also a data structure). Since it is a data structure, the function of blockchain is self-evident: organizing and storing data. The remaining attributes such as "decentralization" and "distribution" are nothing more than modifications to this data structure. Bitcoin is the technology that makes digital currency. I believe many people will think of such terms as decentralization, distribution and tamper-proof. To tell the truth, when I first saw these nouns, I was at a loss because of my poor posture. The article "Development Status and Prospect of Blockchain Technology" gives the following definition: In a narrow sense, blockchain is an unbreakable and unforgeable decentralized shared account book, which combines data blocks into a specific data structure in chronological order and is guaranteed by cryptography. It can safely store simple, continuous. Generalized blockchain technology is a brand-new decentralized infrastructure and distributed computing paradigm. It uses encrypted chain block structure to verify and store data, uses distributed node identification algorithm to generate and update data, and uses automated script code (smart contract) to program and manipulate data. If you want to form a chain, you must have a head. The block at the head of the chain is called Genesis Block. The former block is called the parent block of the latter block, and vice versa. Therefore, in fact, the blockchain, as mentioned above, is not mysterious. The technical principle of blockchain is not complicated, but its "social significance" is enormous. Blockchain is essentially a technical solution to solve trust problems and reduce trust costs, with the aim of decentralization.
Ok, here's another new concept, decentralization? When it comes to blockchain, this word will be mentioned, so you must want to know what decentralization is. Don't worry, before we talk about decentralization, let's say another word-trust. 1. Mining
What is mining? Every additional transaction, that is, the process of forming a block, is called mining. 2. Broadcast If we want to add a transaction (that is, add a block in the blockchain), we need to broadcast it to the whole blockchain network so that all nodes can identify this record. Broadcast mechanism of blockchain
The following figure is a process of blockchain broadcasting mechanism: Node A receives a block, verifies it and broadcasts it to its nearby blocks; After receiving the inv message, the node B sends a getdata message to the node A if it has not received the block before;
After receiving the getdata message, Node A will send the specific information and communication records of the block to Node B. At this time, Node B will also receive the block and repeat the operations of 1, 2 and 3 for the blocks nearby. record
Once a node adds a record and broadcasts it to the network, other nodes in the network, such as B, C and D, will add the record to their notebooks. Once recorded, it is irrevocable and cannot be destroyed at will.