What is a Blockchain?
A blockchain is a digital technology that allows information to be stored securely, transparently, and in a decentralized manner. It functions like a public ledger where transactions are recorded in blocks that are interconnected and secured through cryptography.
Each block contains a set of data (such as financial transactions), a timestamp, and a unique identifier called a hash. Once a block is validated by a network of participants (nodes), it is linked to the previous block, thereby creating an immutable chain. This means that once information is added, it cannot be modified without altering the entire chain, which is practically impossible.
Blockchain is the foundation of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, but its use goes far beyond digital money. It is also used in logistics, electronic voting, smart contracts, digital identity, and more.
Its main advantage is that it eliminates the need for intermediaries, reducing costs and increasing trust in distributed systems. Thanks to its transparency and resistance to manipulation, blockchain is revolutionizing multiple industries and is poised to be one of the key technologies of the 21st century.