区块链知识点

1. How Blockchain Works

• Blocks: Each block in a blockchain contains a number of transactions. Every time a new transaction occurs on the blockchain, a record of that transaction is added to every participant’s ledger.
• Chaining: These blocks are linked together in a chain. This is achieved by each block containing a unique code, known as a hash, which changes if the information inside the block is altered.
• Consensus Algorithm: The process of adding a block to the blockchain is governed by a consensus algorithm, like Proof of Work or Proof of Stake.

• a blockchain is a chain of blocks that contains information.
• 
• Each block contains some data, the hash of the block and the hash of previous block.
• Ledger - Trust + Cryptography = Cryptocurrency

2. Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)

• Concept: A distributed ledger is a database that is consensually shared and synchronized across multiple sites, institutions, or geographies. It allows transactions to have public "witnesses," thereby making a cyberattack more difficult.
• Decentralization: Unlike traditional databases, DLT doesn't have a central data store or administrative functionality. Instead, each participant (node) in the network holds a copy of the ledger.
• Transparency and Immutability: Changes to the ledger are reflected in all copies in minutes or seconds. Once recorded, the data in any given block cannot be altered retroactively without altering all subsequent blocks.

3. Cryptography in Blockchain

• Hashing: A hash function converts input data of any size into a fixed-size string of text. In blockchain, it's used to secure transactions and ensure data integrity.
• Public Key Cryptography: This involves a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. It's used in blockchain for secure digital identity references, known as digital signatures.

4. Consensus Mechanisms

• Purpose: In a decentralized network, consensus algorithms are essential to agree on the ledger's current state and validate transactions without needing a central authority.
• Proof of Work (PoW): Used by Bitcoin, PoW requires nodes to solve complex mathematical puzzles to validate transactions and create new blocks. It's secure but energy-intensive.
• Proof of Stake (PoS): A more energy-efficient alternative where the creator of a new block is chosen via various combinations of random selection and wealth or age.
• Others: There are other mechanisms like Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS), Proof of Authority (PoA), and more, each with unique features and suited for different use cases.

5. Blockchain Network Protocols

• Block Structure: Each block in a blockchain contains a list of transactions, a reference to the previous block (hash), and its own hash.
• Protocols and Algorithms: The protocol rules include block validation, reward mechanisms (like Bitcoin mining), and transaction verification.
• Node Network: Nodes are the individual parts of the larger data structure that is a blockchain. Full nodes validate transactions and blocks, while lightweight or 'light' nodes perform only a subset of these tasks.

6. Immutable Ledger

• Concept: Once data has been recorded onto a blockchain, it is extremely difficult to change it. This is often referred to as immutability.
• Benefits: This characteristic is crucial for ensuring the integrity of the data and trust in the system, as it makes tampering with recorded transactions nearly impossible.

7. Smart Contracts

• Definition: Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into lines of code.
• Functionality: They automatically enforce and execute the terms of a contract based on predefined rules.