Siriux Tutorials/Blockchain Fundamentals

How Does Blockchain Work?

A beginner-friendly step-by-step guide explaining how blockchain functions, from transactions to block validation.

๐Ÿ”ท How Does Blockchain Work?

๐Ÿ—๏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, weโ€™ll break down the step-by-step process of how blockchain records and validates transactions.


๐Ÿ”— Step 1: Initiating a Transaction

Letโ€™s imagine Alice wants to send 1 SiriuX to Bob. Hereโ€™s what happens:

1๏ธโƒฃ Alice uses her blockchain wallet to send 1 SIRI to Bobโ€™s wallet address.
2๏ธโƒฃ The transaction includes:

  • Senderโ€™s Address (Alice)
  • Recipientโ€™s Address (Bob)
  • Amount (1 SIRI)
  • Digital Signature (Alice's private key proves ownership)
    3๏ธโƒฃ The transaction is broadcasted to the blockchain network, where multiple nodes (computers) will validate it.

โœ… Key Takeaway: Transactions are not confirmed immediatelyโ€”they must be verified by the network.


๐Ÿ”— Step 2: Transaction Validation (Consensus Mechanism)

Since blockchain is decentralized, thereโ€™s no single authority to verify transactions. Instead, nodes (computers on the network) must reach a consensus. This process varies depending on the blockchain type:

๐Ÿ”น 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.

๐Ÿ”น 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.

โœ… Key Takeaway: The blockchain network agrees on transactions before they are confirmed.


๐Ÿ”— Step 3: Adding the Transaction to a Block

Once validated, transactions are grouped into a block. Each block contains:

๐Ÿ“ฆ Transaction Data โ€“ Details of all transactions within the block.
๐Ÿ”ข Block Hash โ€“ A unique cryptographic fingerprint of the block.
๐Ÿ”— 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.

โœ… Key Takeaway: Each new block is cryptographically linked to the previous one, ensuring security.


๐Ÿ”— Step 4: Finalizing the Block (Immutability & Security)

Once a block is filled with transactions:
1๏ธโƒฃ It is sealed with its cryptographic hash.
2๏ธโƒฃ The hash is stored in the next block, ensuring a permanent, tamper-proof chain.
3๏ธโƒฃ Any change in past blocks would require changing all subsequent blocksโ€”which is computationally impossible.

๐Ÿ”’ Why Is This Important?

  • If someone tries to alter a past transaction, the hash will change, breaking the chain.
  • Because of decentralization, thereโ€™s no single point of failure.

โœ… Key Takeaway: Blockchain records cannot be altered or deleted, ensuring data integrity.


๐Ÿ“Œ Example: Alice Sends 1 Siriux Token to Bob

To understand blockchain better, letโ€™s visualize a real-world example.

๐Ÿ”น Alice sends 1 Siriux Token to Bob.
๐Ÿ”น The transaction is broadcasted to the network.
๐Ÿ”น Validators confirm its legitimacy.
๐Ÿ”น It is added to a new block and becomes part of the blockchain.

๐Ÿ›‘ Can Alice reverse this transaction?
No! Blockchain transactions are permanent and immutable.


โœ… Key Benefits of Blockchain Technology

โœ” Decentralization โ€“ No single authority controls transactions.
โœ” Security โ€“ Transactions are encrypted and immutable.
โœ” Transparency โ€“ All transactions are publicly verifiable.
โœ” Trustless System โ€“ No need for intermediaries (banks, payment processors).


๐ŸŽฏ 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.

๐Ÿš€ Next Lesson: "The Difference Between Centralized, Decentralized, and Distributed Systems"

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