Blockchain and database

When developing a database, a company faces a choice: to use traditional storage or blockchain system. Learn the features of each technology, their strengths and weaknesses. This will help to make the best choice based on your targets.

A mandatory element of blockchain databases are decentralized nodes. They are involved in administration: items check for new information in the blockchain and allow new information to be entered into them. For the last stage, the nodes must come to a consensus. This approach ensures the security of the network and complicates external interference in it.

Chain-block and Blockchain database operations 

Traditional databases allow you to perform the following functions:

• Create
• Read
• Delete
• Update information

The block chain only allows you to add structure exclusively. The client can only enter additional information. They will be represented by additional blocks. Previous information cannot be deleted or changed. Therefore, only these operations can be performed on block chains:

• Reading information: queries and information that is extracted from the chain
• Keeping records: they are added to the hash chain
• Verification of information 

The chain-block validates transactions and writes new ones. They are operations that change the state of information in a decentralized system. You won't be able to change the entries you've made, but you can use the new information to make adjustments.

Classic vs. blockchain databases 

The main difference between the two systems is the type of control. In conventional databases, it is centralized, in the blockchain - decentralized. The latter management option eliminates security gaps in traditional data warehouses. In them, any user with access to a centralized system can make changes to it, destroy or replace information. This issue is addressed by using decentralized storage.

A database based on blockchain technology is an excellent solution for recording certain types of information, while traditional storage may be preferred for other types of information. Each company must weigh the pros and cons of both systems to choose the best option.Experts are actively arguing about the merits of a private blockchain over a common base. So, some believe that it is the same, but with different names. Others note that blockchain systems are highly reliable and disinter mediated. The use of cryptography and data structures (for example Merkle) can guarantee protection against adding invalid transactions to the blockchain.

Private blockchain databases provide high reliability of operations and better check for errors in comparison with conventional data stores. Raft and Juno algorithms are especially popular. They use a leader-follower model that defines a master to create blocks. It forms an element and adds it to the chain. Anomalies and errors are eliminated by various methods.

Blockchain databases have a number of advantages. They are more secure, provide privacy, and high-performance. That is why when having a choice, many organizations prefer blockchain-storage. You can read about other areas of blockchain application in business on our portal. Stay tuned and you will always be up to date with the latest developments in digital technology.