Blockchain

ScienceTechnology

A blockchain is a growing list of records, called blocks, that are linked using cryptography to create a secure and tamper-evident ledger.

By design, a blockchain is resistant to modification of its data. This is because once recorded, the data in any given block cannot be altered retroactively without alteration of all subsequent blocks.

In practice

Blockchains can be used in many fields to provide a record of ownership and transactions. Apart from being at the core of several cryptocurrencies, there are use cases in for example healthcare (keeping track of Covid vaccinations) and to establish so called "smart contracts" (a computer program that is aimed at reducing the need for trusted intermediators).

Related terms

Technology

API – Application Programming Interface

An API is an interface that defines how, for example, software applications can communicate with each other. APIs allow different software systems to interact and share data.

Data science

Big Data

A collection of data so large that it cannot be stored, transmitted or processed using traditional computing techniques and requires specialized tools and methods.

Open data

Bulk Download

Data is available in 'bulk' if the entire dataset can be downloaded easily and at once, rather than having to access individual records separately.