What is a blockchain?

A blockchain is a distributed and immutable ledger. A blockchain functions like a decentralized database which can not be altered. Everybody can write information into this ledger. The information can not be changed by anyone and the data exists for the entire life of the blockchain network. It is managed by a distributed set of computers. The blockchain technology was invented in 2008. When thinking about a blockchain you can think about the concept of Wikipedia. It is a public database and everybody can add information. But compared to Wikipedia, the information in a blockchain is not stored and managed by a centralized foundation on one or a few servers, but managed by thousands of servers and managed by a large community. No single entity controls the data.

How does a blockchain work?

Transactions on a decentralized network (1 transaction = person A sends some data to person B) are encrypted, put together and produced in a block. So you can image blocks of digital data. These data blocks are chained together and form a chain, a blockchain.
As the blocks are chained together via hashing a blockchain is very secure. If somebody wants to change a transaction which has already been put into a block on a blockchain, all the blocks after the producing block has to be modified.

What are the benefits of a blockchain?

- Greater transparency and increased trust
- Enhanced security
- Improved traceability
- Increased efficiency
- Reduced costs

What is a block in a blockchain?

What is a blockchain wallet?

A blockchain wallet is a digital wallet which enables the access to digital assets stored on a blockchain. Basically a blockchain wallet stores a private key which is needed to access a public address which the digital assets belong to.
Each blockchain has its own wallet. But there are also wallets where it is possible to store assets from different blockchains.

What is a blockchain company?

A blockchain company like block42 Blockchain Company GmbH is a software company which is entirely focused on this emerging technology, named blockchain.
Get to know more about block42 Blockchain Company.

What is a private blockchain?

A private blockchain is managed and controlled by a smaller set of actors, e.g. a consortium. In a private blockchain only permitted participants can join the network.
That is the case for e.g. business blockchains. These are blockchains operated by multiple organizations. Generally it does not make sense to operate a blockchain within one organization. The most known private blockchain framework is Hyperledger. We at block42 Blockchain Company offer implementation and development services based on Hyperledger. Find out about our services for companies.

What is a public blockchain?

A public blockchain is a chain where everybody can be part of. The best known public blockchain is Bitcoin. On the second place comes the Ethereum Blockchain.

What is the Ethereum blockchain?

The Ethereum blockchain has introduced Smart Contracts. The use case of Ethereum is not a Store of Value, but a platform for distributed applications.
We at block42 showcased a potential use case in the form of a Smart Wedding Contract. Find out about this Smart Contract use case here: https://www.block42.tech/smart-wedding-contract

What is Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is the best known public blockchain and was invented in 2008 by an unknown person or group called Satoshi Nakamoto. The use case of Bitcoin is a store of value and medium of exchange.

What is a Smart Contract?

A smart contract is a programmable contract which runs on a blockchain like Ethereum, Cardano, Neo, Icon or Komodo. Smart Contracts where first coined by a computer scientist and American cryptographer called Nick Szabo in 1994.

Who controls a blockchain?

A blockchain and its stored data is controlled by all participants in the network. Hence the more people joining a decentralized network the safer and more distributed a network becomes.

Is Bitcoin and Blockchain the same?

No, they are different. Blockchain is the underlying technology which enables many different use cases. Bitcoin is the best known blockchain and its use case is currently limited to a crypto currency (a store of value and medium of exchange).
Due to its advantages, a Blockchain enables the improvement of existing use cases and the introduction of innovative and new business models.

What can I do with a Smart Contract?

A Smart Contract enables a transparent and conflict-free way of creating, storing and exchange of digital assets without a middle man or centralized party.
These assets could be money, real estate, art, shares or anything of value.

What is the best Blockchain?

It is sheer impossible to name the best blockchain. It depends on the use case and on the capabilities needed for a specific purpose.

What is Hyperledger?

Hyperledger is an open source blockchain which was mainly created by the Linux Foundation. It is mainly used for industrial blockchain applications. Hyperledger is mainly used as a private blockchain and for different business use cases like supply chain, product history, financials and IoT.
If you want to find out about possibilities with the Hyperledger blockchain check out our services or get in contact with us.

Why should an organization/company/firm use a Blockchain?

A blockchain can be used for many different use cases, but it is important to understand, that a blockchain is not the solution to every problem.
Blockchains can improve the level of trust between many parties, can increase the level of transparency or also can improve processes and reduce costs. A blockchain has many advantages, but also disadvantages over other technical solutions. If you want to find out if your organization can benefit from the usage a blockchain, do not hesitate to get in contact with us.