DigiXnode: Issue 4 | Author: Jessica Wong
When it comes to the basic concept that metaverse and NFT have to mention: blockchain. In this installment, we will discuss what is blockchain, a prerequisite for the practice of the Metaverse and NFTs: blockchain.
01 Byzantine Problem
The Byzantine problem is one of the stories of the origin of the blockchain. Byzantium was the capital of the ancient Roman Empire. At that time, the ancient Roman Empire had a vast territory, the army was scattered, and the transmission of information in the army relied on manpower: important messages were transmitted through messengers, thereby Order officials and generals to reach a consensus and discuss the timing and countermeasures of sending troops.
Assuming we are the leader of the enemy country, what is the fastest way to disrupt their defense plan?
It is the messenger who buys the message. When the traitors make the Byzantine Taiwan Army unable to obtain correct information, they cannot effectively discuss countermeasures, and may even affect the correct judgment of the other officers.
This is the Byzantine problem: how to share information and achieve consensus regardless of the distance between the barracks when a traitor is known to appear.
Later, American scientists established a set of blockchain theories to solve this problem, that is, by establishing a distributed system to ensure the consistency of information transmission, even if some nodes are invalid, the information can be transmitted correctly.
For example, turning each of our smartphones into a system (node) that can record data, in a transparent blockchain, everyone can see the data recorded by these decentralized devices, even if part of the phone records The data is wrong (traitor appears), we can still get correct information from other devices.
This way we can solve three problems:
- Correctness of data transfer
- Solve and find the “traitor”
- Let the “nodes” that do not trust each other reach a consensus
This is the prototype of the blockchain, and the first application that uses the blockchain concept is what we know as “Bitcoin”. From the study of Bitcoin, the technology of blockchain can be regarded as truly discovered and applied.
02 Blockchain = public database?
Blockchain is a “technology for recording data”, which can be understood as everyone can be a system for recording data. All systems add up to become a whole “distributed database”, each system consists of each node Different blocks are formed, and finally become an inseparable “chain”: a decentralized database, even if there is no one of the nodes or the data recorded by it is wrong, it will not affect the overall information transmission.
Blockchain can also be understood as an immutable shared ledger, a program that can be used to record transactions and track assets. Assets can be divided into tangible (physical, such as cars) and intangible (physical, such as patents). These valuable things can be traded and tracked through the blockchain, reducing costs and risks.
03 How it works
First, all transactions that take place record “blocks” of data. Users can record optional information in the purchase and sale of assets: such as time, location.
Second, each block is connected to each other to form a data chain that confirms the timing and sequence of transactions, ensures that data is securely linked, and prevents any changes.
Third, these links that record transactions will form blocks one by one, and each additional block will strengthen the verification of the previous block, thereby preventing tampering and establishing a trustworthy transaction ledger.
The characteristics of blockchain include instant storage, sharing of data, and complete transparency of data (accessible only by permissioned network members).
The most important thing is to track the whole process of the transaction. For example, today, company A has placed an order with company B, which has never cooperated before: to build a new office building. After using blockchain technology, company A can track orders, payments, accounts, and production in the process, and can monitor all exchanges. details. Moreover, the data of the blockchain cannot be deleted and is completely transparent, thereby establishing mutual trust between the two companies and improving efficiency.
04 Summary
In the next issue, we will continue to deepen the concept of blockchain. Leave a message to share what industries you think blockchain can be applied to!
