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Kizito Nwaka
Kizito Nwaka

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What is Blockchain [2]

In this article I will try to explain the scope of immutability after the definitions of the common terms associated with this technology using a train concept I thought about. Though it may not be 100% accurate I hope it will give anyone an understanding of how the scope works. This is part of the summary of what I’ve learnt.

What is the Blockchain

The blockchain is a shared, distributed and permanent database shared among multiple nodes on a computer network.

What are the function of nodes

A blockchain node's primary job is to confirm the legality and to store a copy of each subsequent batch of network transactions, known as blocks.
All nodes are connected to each other and they continuously exchange the newest information on the chain with each other. This ensures they are updated and they can be any kind of device.

What is a Block

A block is a section in a blockchain where information is stored and encrypted using a hash function.

The first state of a block in a blockchain is known as the Genesis State.

A hash function

This functions are used for data integrity and often in combination with digital signatures which gives rise to encrypted addresses.

Gas Fees

A gas fee is the amount of Ether (ETH) required for the Ethereum blockchain network user to conduct a transaction on the network. Gas fees are used to compensate Ethereum miners for their work in verifying transactions and securing the network.

What is the primary work of the miner

A computer or group of computers that run transactions on the blockchain (adding new transactions or verifying blocks created by other miners. Miners are rewarded with transactions fees.
For example, When you make a transaction on the blockchain the charges(gas fee) may go to the miner.

Gas fee is the amount of Ether (ETH) required for an Ethereum blockchain network user to conduct a transaction on the network.

Consensus refers to agreement on some decision by all members of a group, rather than a majority or a select group of representatives. Which gives rise to smart contracts

Whew!!
So now let’s checkout my little explanation of immutability with the train concept.
But before that let me list the parts of the train that I’ll reference the terms to.

The Train 🚂 - The Blockchain

The Compartments of the train(each bus) 🚌 - Blocks

Engineers who build the train compartments 👨‍🔧 - Miners

Coaches(Train Regulators)👨‍✈️ - Nodes

The big couple 🔗 which connects two different busses together which I gave them a unique ID -
Encrypted Addresses

Transport Fair/FuelMoney/Ticket - Data/Transactions

The Concept

Let’s assume that the train 🚂 has this rule such that all passengers must have a ticket 🎫 (hashed with unique ID)by the station that was bought with cash 💵 (gas). So our train in the cover image has 4 compartments 🚌(blocks) and the coaches(nodes)👨‍✈️ of the train(blockchain) go through everyone’s identity.
The combined hashes of everyone’s ticket(ID) gives rise to the unique hash of that compartment(block A) which is the genesis block.
Each ticket 🎫 will be checked and verified by the trains 🚂(blockchain’s) coaches 👨‍✈️(nodes) And if the tickets in that compartment are either fake or have been altered or compromised. That compartment 🚌 of the train becomes invalid making the couple 🔗 increases in size(the hash changes and is not like the same pattern of other blocks) and it won’t be able to hook making the compartment(block) 🚌 disconnect with the other compartments in the train 🚂 (blockchain).

Thanks for reading to this point. Hope this summary enlightens anyone reading this a bit on how the blockchain is secured 😄

Sayonara 👋

Top comments (2)

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parth_s profile image
Parth

Train example is great!

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kizito007 profile image
Kizito Nwaka

Thanks!