Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is being used by more than 10% of the US population, whether they know it or not. DLT is a decentralized database that can record, store, and synchronize digital information in a way that makes it impossible to tamper with or forge. It’s most often used on a blockchain network.
However, DLT has now grown beyond blockchain technology and is being used across many industries. As such, you should know the ins and outs of how it works. The information will come in handy when you’re selling your Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Read on to better understand distributed ledger technology and why it’s so effective at improving security and efficiency.
What Is Distributed Ledger Technology?
Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is a digital ledger of transactions, records, and events. It operates on a shared virtual network that uses a consensus protocol to ensure easy verifiability of the data’s integrity.
You can think of DLT as an open database. You can read it, but you can’t change or delete anything.
The blockchain is one example of how this might work. It’s essentially a shared, distributed database where every computer on the network maintains an identical copy of it.
Why Do We Need Distributed Ledgers?
Distributed ledgers are a way to store and share information in a way that’s secure. Best of all, users will never have trouble sharing information.
A distributed ledger has multiple nodes. They each contain the same copy of the ledger or at least parts of it.
The distributed nature means there are no single points of failure. If one node goes down, the rest of the network keeps running.
Distributed ledgers also allow for exchanging value on the cryptocurrency market without using a third party like banks or governments. This can help cut costs and reduce bureaucracy.
It also increases transparency. You can see what’s happening on your own system rather than having some intermediary interpret things for you.
Types of Distributed Ledgers
There are many types of distributed ledgers, but they all have two key features in common. They’re either public or private.
Public ledgers are open to anyone who wants to use them. These are often used with different types of cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.
Private distributed ledgers are accessible only by their owners but still allow users from outside of the network to interact with them. The users can do this through various methods, such as API calls or web sockets.
Private ledgers aren’t as popular as their public counterparts. Look here for more information on the technology behind private ledgers.
Use Distributed Ledger Technology to Your Advantage
You can use distributed ledger technology to create a more efficient and secure way of storing records. It can also provide better access to information, thereby helping businesses save time and money. And because there’s no third party involved in transactions, the technology is ideal for industries where security is a concern, such as finance and government.
Ultimately, distributed ledgers provide businesses with the ability to move away from centralized systems. For more ideas on how to move away from centralized systems, check out our other finance articles.
