How Does Blockchain Work?
A beginner-friendly step-by-step guide explaining how blockchain functions, from transactions to block validation.
๐ท How Does Blockchain Work?
๐๏ธ Introduction
Blockchain is a revolutionary way of storing and verifying data without the need for a central authority. But how does it actually function?
At its core, a blockchain is a series of connected blocks, each containing transaction data, a unique identifier (hash), and a reference to the previous block. These blocks are secured with cryptographic principles, making the system tamper-proof and trustless.
In this guide, weโll break down the step-by-step process of how blockchain records and validates transactions.
๐ Step 1: Initiating a Transaction
Letโs imagine Alice wants to send 1 SiriuX to Bob. Hereโs what happens:
1๏ธโฃ Alice uses her blockchain wallet to send 1 SIRI to Bobโs wallet address.
2๏ธโฃ The transaction includes:
- Senderโs Address (Alice)
- Recipientโs Address (Bob)
- Amount (1 SIRI)
- Digital Signature (Alice's private key proves ownership)
3๏ธโฃ The transaction is broadcasted to the blockchain network, where multiple nodes (computers) will validate it.
โ Key Takeaway: Transactions are not confirmed immediatelyโthey must be verified by the network.
๐ Step 2: Transaction Validation (Consensus Mechanism)
Since blockchain is decentralized, thereโs no single authority to verify transactions. Instead, nodes (computers on the network) must reach a consensus. This process varies depending on the blockchain type:
๐น Proof of Work (PoW) โ Used in Bitcoin
- Miners solve complex mathematical puzzles to validate transactions.
- The first miner to solve the puzzle adds the transaction to a new block.
- This process is called mining and requires significant computational power.
๐น Proof of Stake (PoS) โ Used in SiriuX
- Validators are chosen based on the amount of cryptocurrency they hold and are willing to "stake."
- Instead of competing, a random validator is selected to confirm the transaction.
- This is energy-efficient compared to PoW.
โ Key Takeaway: The blockchain network agrees on transactions before they are confirmed.
๐ Step 3: Adding the Transaction to a Block
Once validated, transactions are grouped into a block. Each block contains:
๐ฆ Transaction Data โ Details of all transactions within the block.
๐ข Block Hash โ A unique cryptographic fingerprint of the block.
๐ Previous Block Hash โ A reference to the last block in the chain.
This structure ensures that blocks are linked together, forming a continuous, immutable ledger.
โ Key Takeaway: Each new block is cryptographically linked to the previous one, ensuring security.
๐ Step 4: Finalizing the Block (Immutability & Security)
Once a block is filled with transactions:
1๏ธโฃ It is sealed with its cryptographic hash.
2๏ธโฃ The hash is stored in the next block, ensuring a permanent, tamper-proof chain.
3๏ธโฃ Any change in past blocks would require changing all subsequent blocksโwhich is computationally impossible.
๐ Why Is This Important?
- If someone tries to alter a past transaction, the hash will change, breaking the chain.
- Because of decentralization, thereโs no single point of failure.
โ Key Takeaway: Blockchain records cannot be altered or deleted, ensuring data integrity.
๐ Example: Alice Sends 1 Siriux Token to Bob
To understand blockchain better, letโs visualize a real-world example.
๐น Alice sends 1 Siriux Token to Bob.
๐น The transaction is broadcasted to the network.
๐น Validators confirm its legitimacy.
๐น It is added to a new block and becomes part of the blockchain.
๐ Can Alice reverse this transaction?
No! Blockchain transactions are permanent and immutable.
โ Key Benefits of Blockchain Technology
โ Decentralization โ No single authority controls transactions.
โ Security โ Transactions are encrypted and immutable.
โ Transparency โ All transactions are publicly verifiable.
โ Trustless System โ No need for intermediaries (banks, payment processors).
๐ฏ Why Blockchain Works the Way It Does?
Blockchain is a revolutionary system that enables secure, transparent, and tamper-proof transactions.
- Each transaction is verified by network participants.
- Blocks are cryptographically linked, ensuring data integrity.
- Once recorded, transactions cannot be altered or removed.
๐ Next Lesson: "The Difference Between Centralized, Decentralized, and Distributed Systems"