Single Chain
Single Chain is a fundamental concept in blockchain technology referring to a single, linear sequence of blocks that forms the core data structure of a blockchain. It represents the simplest form of blockchain architecture where each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, creating an immutable and chronological ledger. This structure ensures data integrity and security through cryptographic linking and consensus mechanisms.
Developers should understand Single Chain when working with traditional blockchain implementations like Bitcoin or early versions of Ethereum, as it forms the basis for understanding blockchain data structures and consensus algorithms. It's essential for building or analyzing permissionless public blockchains, cryptocurrency systems, and applications requiring tamper-evident record-keeping. Knowledge of Single Chain helps in grasping more complex architectures like sidechains or sharded blockchains.