Digital Ledger
A digital ledger is a decentralized, distributed database that records transactions or data across multiple nodes in a network, ensuring transparency, immutability, and security without a central authority. It serves as the foundational technology for systems like blockchain, where data is stored in a chronological chain of blocks, enabling trustless verification and auditability. This concept underpins applications in finance, supply chain, and identity management by providing a tamper-resistant record-keeping mechanism.
Developers should learn about digital ledgers when building systems that require secure, transparent, and immutable data storage, such as in blockchain-based applications, financial services, or supply chain tracking. It is essential for implementing decentralized solutions where trust among parties is minimal, as it eliminates the need for intermediaries and reduces fraud risks. Use cases include cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and verifiable data logs in industries like healthcare or logistics.