What is a blockchain? Blockchain is a decentralized and distributed digital ledger that records transactions across multiple computers or nodes. It is designed to be transparent, secure, and tamper-resistant. The concept of blockchain was introduced in 2008 by an anonymous person or group of people using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto as the underlying technology behind the cryptocurrency Bitcoin. At its core, a blockchain is a chain of blocks, where each block contains a list of transactions. These blocks are linked together using cryptographic hashes, forming a sequential and immutable chain. Here are some key characteristics and components of a blockchain: 1. Decentralization 2. Distributed Ledger 3. Consensus Mechanism 4. Security and Immutability 5. Smart Contracts