Blockchain is a decentralized technology that has grown as fast as time passes, with a noticeable presence in the software industry.
We usually do not know what it means and forget about asking common questions: How can I use it to improve my business?
Is the Blockchain a secure route? Are Blockchain solutions worthy?
Let's read more about how to know what Blockchain applications offer to your Software Development.
What is the Blockchain?
Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger technology or distributed database for safe and tamper-proof transactions.
It usually functions through different networks and servers, and covers information in digital formats.
While it was initially part of Bitcoin to help financial services, it currently serves a wide array of decentralized transactions.
Likewise, Blockchain Development consists of creating, designing and implementing Blockchain-related applications.
This process also includes maintaining existing products to cover all details of cryptocurrency, like smart contract development for supply chain management.
How to create a Blockchain? The short version is that it sets up multiple protocols at once with determined nodes, known as Consensus Protocols.
Since all Blockchains can be different, it's hard to limit a blockchain to a simple concept.
Some of the most used procedures involve Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS).
What are the Types of Blockchain?
- Public Blockchain. These open-source platforms are based on the concept of decentralization. They don't have any restrictions because no one with a computer can access them.
- Private Blockchain. Here, blockchains do not count on the same decentralized Blockchain-based application level as the previous one. Only selected nodes can use it, not all public ones. Private blockchain solutions mean they're more secure due to this limitation.
- Hybrid Blockchain. It's a mix of non-public and public blockchains. A few organizations or other sources manage their public components.
- Consortium Blockchain. This innovative method validates and additionally initiates or receives transactions.
Pros and Cons of the Blockchain
Pros of Blockchain
- Costs. The accessibility of Blockchain helps users to make transactions without third parties. This feature reduces the time and cost for users without needing someone else to do the job.
- Process. The non-needing third-party part allows users to do things faster. It helps to authenticate transactions in the supply chain in less time than other cryptocurrency platforms. Plus, unlike traditional databases, you can store data in the Blockchain development process whichever way you want.
- Security. Its security system is also a primary reason users decide to use Blockchain. It allows companies and users to make payments with a decentralized nature database.
- Decentralization. This concept is the principal characteristic of Blockchain. That's due to its process of authenticating transactions or operations. It also helps to reduce transaction validation times.
Cons of Blockchain
- Storage. Since Blockchain is growing fast, its database systems may not be enough. Actually, scalability issues become a bottleneck in these networks due to the lack of storage to cover all their new users.
- Passwords. Losing and forgetting passwords is a constant problem! Accessing the Blockchain after forgetting your password can be hard and, in some cases, impossible.
- Implementation. Even if it represents low costs for users, the Blockchain can be quite expensive for companies.
Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
Blockchain became key due to its security and efficiency for faster cryptocurrency transactions.
Unlike some think, it's usable with more than Bitcoin and Ethereum!
Its ledger helps to record entire transactions without other parties for crypto, and it's categorized as an accessible system for anyone.
This accessibility means it can be used by all companies, regardless of industry, taking into account the number of transactions and records.
Conclusion
The blockchain industry offers a new world of innovative solutions in Software Development, leading one of the pathways to Digital Transformation.
There's a debate about how Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence can complement each other to make even more powerful applications.
It generates a radical approach without third-party integration as banking systems do, resulting in more secure applications.
However, including blockchains requires a deep understanding of business requirements.