Hey Guys,
What's up?
So, today we will see, the structure of the block inside a blockchain network.
Let's start!
wait, wait...
Before starting, I guess you are familiar with Blockchain, if not, then please read my previous article here.
Will it work for you?
Awesome!
Then why wait? let's start :)
As you know, blockchain is consists of a chain of blocks, it is must necessary to have some data inside a block. Without any data, it is impossible to insert a new block. Data are like oxygen for humans; without oxygen, humans can't live. Like this way, without data, blocks inside a blockchain network can't exist(It must have some data).
I can't relate to a better example for this. Just kidding. :)
Cool!
Now, let's see the structure of a block!
As you can see in the above diagram, a block is differentiated into 2 parts.
- Block Head
- Block Body
Let's talk about Block head first.
Block head is also divided into six components. Those are
- Version number
- Previous block hash
- Merkle tree root hash
- Nbits
- Nonce
- Timestamp
The block version number indicates which set of block validation rules to follow. This is useful for a miner, who wants to mine(to insert a new block) inside the blockchain network. That means, let's say I want to mine, I need the block version to check the rules and regulations provided by that version. Every block version has some rules to follow, which is provided by the blockchain network.
A Markle tree encodes the blockchain data in an efficient and secure manner. It enables the quick verification of the blockchain data.
The data itself is first hashed. Then the hashes are hashed again and merged. Finally, the Merkle tree merged into a single hash, called root hash. It is also called the root of the tree.
The hash of the previous block is the chain of blockchain. Because the hash of the previous block is contained on a hash of the new block. The blocks of the blockchain are all built on each other.
With the help of n Bits, the current difficulty is used to create this block. This means it will decide how the block is to be going to create.
A nonce is a variable increment by the Proof-of-Work(PoW). In this way, the miner guesses a valid hash, a hash that is smaller than the target.
And timestamp is the block itself. Each block contains a unique timestamp. A timestamp is accepted as valid if it is greater than the median of the previous 11 blocks and less than the network adjusted time. Network adjusted time is the median of all blocks present inside the blockchain network.
Now, let's talk about the Block body.
The transaction counter is the place where all transactions are done. Let's say, there are 10 transactions is done inside a block, then transaction counter creates a copy of every single transaction for its future reference. And those transactions are stored separately.
Here, we ended up with the structure of a block inside a blockchain network. I know, it's kind of confusing, if you are new to blockchain. But I'm pretty sure, you must have got some idea about the block.
Right?
Awesome!
If you further need any help, try to connect with me. I'll be happy to solve your doubts.
Till then, keep learning and keep smiling :)
Thanks for reading this. See you soon with a new article.
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