What is Blockchain?

Simply put, a blockchain is a chain of blocks, where each block represents an electronic record that cannot be revised or tampered with once it is included in the chain. Each block has its own timestamp and a link to an earlier block in the chain, which enables all the parties to have easy access to information via a secure network.
Wikipedia explains blockchain as, "A blockchain - originally block chain - is a distributed database that is used to maintain a continuously growing list of records, called blocks. Each block contains a timestamp and a link to a previous block." Further, it is noted that blockchain is "typically managed by a peer-to-peer network", and "By design, blockchains are inherently resistant to modification of the data. Once recorded, the data in any given block cannot be altered retroactively without the alteration of all subsequent blocks and the collusion of the network."
Interested in learning more? The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania published an article exploring the question, "Is Blockchain the Next Great Hope - or Hype?".

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