Blockchain

A distributed ledger where state is stored as a chain of cryptographically linked blocks — the foundational data structure of cryptoeconomic systems.

Each block contains transactions (state transitions), a timestamp, and a hash of the previous block. This chain structure makes history tamper-evident: altering any past block invalidates all subsequent hashes.

Systems Connection

A blockchain is a system for maintaining shared state across distributed components (nodes). Its structure — the append-only chain — enforces the boundary of valid history. No single component can unilaterally modify state; consensus among components is required.

Key Properties

• Immutability — past state cannot be changed without detection
• Transparency — all participants can verify state
• Decentralization — no single point of control

See Also

• Cryptoeconomics — parent domain
• Consensus Mechanism — how blocks are agreed upon
• Node — participants maintaining the chain
• Hash — cryptographic links between blocks