A look at the technology behind blockchain.

What is blockchain technology?

Overview:

  • Blockchain technology is a decentralised and distributed digital ledger that records transactions on multiple computers securely and transparently.

  • It is maintained by a network of nodes that work together to validate transactions and ensure the integrity of the ledger, offering greater transparency and reducing the potential for fraud, corruption, and manipulation.

  • Once a transaction has been verified and added to the blockchain, it cannot be altered or deleted, making it an ideal platform for storing information.

  • Blockchain technology can be used in various industries, including finance, healthcare, and supply chain management, to create secure and transparent systems for recording and sharing information.

  • Bitcoin SV is a fast and efficient public ledger powered by the Bitcoin blockchain's scripting language that can support over 50,000 transactions per second and is a green technology. It can facilitate smart contracts, transfer a secure token, or create an immutable record, making it more than just a cryptocurrency.


Blockchain technology is a decentralised and distributed digital ledger that records transactions on multiple computers securely and transparently. At its core, blockchain technology is a network of computers or nodes that work together to maintain a shared database of transactions.

Each node has a copy of the entire blockchain, and any new transaction that is added to the blockchain is verified by the network consensus mechanism before it is added to the ledger.

Decentralisation (distribution of power)

One of the most notable features of blockchain technology is its decentralisation. Unlike traditional centralised systems, where a single authority controls the database and its updates, a blockchain is maintained by a network of nodes that work together to validate transactions and ensure the integrity of the ledger.

This distributed architecture provides several advantages. For one, it eliminates the need for a central authority or intermediary, reducing the potential for fraud, corruption, and manipulation. Additionally, it offers greater transparency, as all transactions are recorded on a public ledger that can be audited and verified by anyone.

Read: Clearing up misunderstandings about Bitcoin's decentralisation

Immutability and security

Another key feature of blockchain technology is its immutability. Once a transaction has been verified and added to the blockchain, it cannot be altered or deleted. This makes the blockchain an ideal platform for providing a high level of data integrity.

Blockchain technology is perhaps best known for its application in crypto-assets, such as Bitcoin SV. In these systems, the blockchain serves as a ledger that records all transactions made with the cryptocurrency.

Each transaction is verified by the network consensus mechanism, which ensures that only valid transactions are added to the ledger.

Read: What is the difference between BSV and cryptocurrency?

Far more than just a ‘coin’

The potential applications of blockchain technology go far beyond crypto-assets. It can be used in a wide range of industries, from finance and banking to healthcare, supply chain management, and more.

For example, blockchain technology can be used to create a secure and transparent voting system. By using a blockchain-based system, it is possible to ensure that each vote is recorded accurately and securely and that the results of the election cannot be manipulated or tampered with.

In the financial industry, blockchain technology can be used to facilitate secure and efficient transactions. By eliminating the need for intermediaries such as banks and clearinghouses, blockchain-based systems can significantly reduce transaction costs and increase the speed of settlement.

In healthcare, blockchain technology can be used to create a secure and transparent system for storing and sharing medical records. By using a blockchain-based system, patients can have greater control over their medical data, and healthcare providers can access accurate and up-to-date information.

Overall, blockchain technology is a transformative technology that has the potential to revolutionise the way we exchange value and information. Its decentralised architecture, immutability, and transparency make it an ideal platform for a wide range of applications, from finance and banking to healthcare, supply chain management, and more.

As more and more industries explore the potential applications of blockchain technology, it is clear that this technology will play a significant role in shaping the future of the digital economy.

BSV - Not just the smartest blockchain

Bitcoin SV is the fastest public ledger with the capability to support over 50,000 transactions per second. But that’s not all. Powered by the Bitcoin blockchain’s scripting language, each transaction can facilitate smart contracts, transfer a secure token, or create an immutable record.

Bitcoin SV is also a green technology. We focus on CO2 efficiency per transaction and outclass all proof-of-work blockchains on CoinCarbonCap since its inception. On a cost-per-transaction basis, Bitcoin SV already surpasses VISA, the world’s most-used payment network.

Ryan Brothwell
Ryan Brothwell

Deputy Editor, Bitcoin Association