Demystifying Blockchain Development
The age of blockchain is upon us, and with it comes the need to understand all of its aspects and benefits for all industries in the digital world.
A blockchain is a form of technology that allows two or more parties to share and maintain a record of transactions without the need for an intermediary like a bank. Each list of transactions is called a block. As time progresses, other generated blocks are linked together in chronological order, with cryptographic hashes connecting each block, ensuring that any tampering attempt of the data is easily noticeable. This way, a continuous chain of information is formed, allowing all parties to share financial information easily.
Another relevant characteristic of blockchain is decentralisation. Unlike other databases, the blockchain is not controlled by a single entity but rather by a network of computers called nodes, which validates and stores all transactions.
Having started as the backbone behind Bitcoin, blockchain developers, alongside many industries, have come up with other uses for this technology outside the cryptocurrency world.
Transformative Applications of Blockchain Across Various Industries
As previously mentioned, the first widespread use of blockchain was in the financial industry, with the creation of cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin was the first one, having been created in 2009, by the user or users behind the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. By creating a form of currency free from the meddling of governments or the banking system, Bitcoin’s success was followed by the creation of other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum or Ripple. The safety and speed provided by the blockchain made cryptocurrencies great assets for investment and allowed those without access to traditional banking services to partake in transactions.
But other industries outside the realm of finance have started to use blockchain to improve their business.
In supply chain processes, blockchain technology allowed for reduced costs and simplified operations, building fast trust relationships between participants due to the tamper-proof nature of the ledger. Due to its traceability and transparency, it is possible to track the entire production process of a good, from the origin of the raw materials to the factories it was assembled, allowing for a greater level of consumer confidence and less waste produced by the manufacturers.
In education, the blockchain is responsible for an unprecedented revolution in student records' storage and verification. The educational achievements of every person can be stored in the blockchain, allowing for a fast and simple process to verify said achievements without the bureaucratic process of dealing with intermediaries. Schools also benefit from the blockchain. As institutions deal with vast amounts of data yearly, using the ledger allows for better management of school records and simplified data transfer between institutions.
Future Trends and Opportunities in Blockchain Development
Despite the many possible applications of blockchain in different industrial contexts, what comes next? What can blockchain developers do in the future to improve this technology?
One of the areas where developers have been working hard is Cross-Chain solutions and interoperability. With the increasing number of separate blockchains, developers have to come up with solutions to bridge the gap between these different chains. Furthermore, with climate change being one of the biggest threats to human existence, developers must focus on developing technologies that enable a reduction in energy consumption and carbon footprint.
For society, the massification of blockchain could simplify lives and leave people less dependent on banks and the government.
Embracing the Blockchain Revolution
Blockchain is no longer a technology of the future - it is already part of the present. It improves how companies make transactions, store data, and track products and materials.
Those who embrace the blockchain revolution are bound to be pioneers in an increasingly digital world.
