Blockchain and Cryptocurrency are related to one another but are very different. These terms, we can guess, are related to technology as well as money. Both Blockchain and Cryptocurrency can be said to work side by side.
Blockchain, as we can understand by the name, is a block of chains. This is a technology in which transactions are stored, or we can say data of that transactions are stored. This can be said as a synonym for the traditional banking system.
On the other hand, cryptocurrency can be said as the currency of this new banking system. There are different kinds of cryptocurrency. For example, Bitcoin is one of the Cryptocurrencies which has its own system of transactions, called Blockchain.
Key Takeaways
- Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions and stores data securely. At the same time, cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses encryption techniques to regulate the generation of currency units and verify the transfer of funds.
- Blockchain technology can be used for various purposes other than cryptocurrency, such as supply chain management and voting systems, while cryptocurrency is a specific application of blockchain technology.
- Blockchain operates on a distributed network of computers, while cryptocurrency operates on a decentralized network that miners maintain.
Blockchain vs Cryptocurrency
The difference between Blockchain and Cryptocurrency is that one can be assumed as a banking system while the other is the currency of that banking system. Both the function of these terms walk side by side and are needed by each other but are not a synonym of each other.
Blockchain is a kind of storehouse of Cryptocurrency, which also keeps a record of that cryptocurrency. This is a system of accounting that help cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to work.
Blockchain is the chain of the network which is spread among the users. This technology is created on open-source code.
Cryptocurrency is a kind of currency that is used as a means of exchange. As we can understand by the name itself, it is a currency that is in the form of cryptography.
These currencies are strongly protected, rotated and secured in financial transactions by this cryptography technology.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Blockchain | Cryptocurrency |
|---|---|---|
| Work | It helps keep the records of the transaction | It is used as a currency for transaction |
| Use | One of the uses of Blockchain is that it is used by Cryptocurrencies as a system to maintain all its transactions | Cryptocurrencies are used as the currencies of the transactions one of such cryptocurrencies is Bitcoin |
| Effectiveness | Blockchain has eliminated the system of the Traditional Banking system and has created more secure transactions | These are currencies that are coded and secured with the help of Cryptography |
| Cybersecurity | Blockchain due to highly advanced Cryptography makes the transaction safer | Cryptocurrency are a very digitalized currency that is also protected by Cryptography |
| System | System: No modification once the details of the transaction are done making a perfect record | This is based on the IOU |
What is Blockchain?
Blockchain verifies the transactions of cryptocurrencies and also records and maintains them in the network or system. The blockchain contains blocks of records of verified transactions in serial or chronological order.
Each area of these blocks contains piles of codes and codes which specify the details of these verified transactions. Each block has comprised many numbers of verified transactions.
Blockchain is a reliable system for recording transactions because of the block link. The more backdated the transaction is more difficult it is for the record to be either removed or changed. These are mainly permanent records.
Blockchain has blocks that further can be broken into different hashes and are always put chronologically. As the order of the chain of blocks is not disturbed or changed, it is easy to find a particular hash.
Blockchain also helps Cryptocurrency to work or do a transaction. This also keeps all the records of the transaction.
Blockchain validators are those who are the users of this Blockchain who always verify transactions and make them valid to make them a legitimate record. It also gives a few days before making any transaction legitimate.
What is Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is different from what we traditionally know as currency. A traditional currency always works under central authorities, which are mainly the government of countries.
On the other hand, this is a kind of currency that is decentralized and is not under any central authority.
The users or ‘miners’ use Blockchain technology and verify transactions, which helps work the central banking system of these currencies.
This participation of miners helps the whole system work, and in return, they are awarded decreases in transaction fees as well.
This currency doesn’t have any particular or significant materialistic backing system like traditional currencies, which are backed up by gold. This makes it difficult to decide the values of Cryptocurrencies.
For example, a bitcoin’s value is decided by demand and supply.
This is a very highly decentralized and digital technology that uses Blockchain to form a system in order to operate. These are also known as virtual or digital currencies.
Cryptography is used for security, and no one owns which makes it immune from the control of authority. The first Cryptocurrency was Bitcoin, but now there are many other Cryptocurrencies.
Main Differences Between Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
- Blockchain is one of the foundation factors of Cryptocurrency and is not the same thing.
- Blockchain acts as a system or network which reserves the information of the transaction. The currency which is used in these transactions is known as Cryptocurrencies.
- Cryptocurrencies first use blockchains. These are not synonyms and work hand in hand with a digit and decentralized transaction system.
- Blockchain and Cryptocurrency are both decentralized technology under no authority, but one is a banking system while the other is the currency of that banking system.
- Blockchain is the piles of transaction details, while on the other hand, Cryptocurrencies are what is used as a means of exchange that is recorded.
- The first users of Blockchain were Cryptocurrencies, while the first Cryptocurrency was Bitcoin.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0007681319301156
- https://brie.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/juri-mattila-.pdf
- https://jai.pm-research.com/content/23/2/141.short
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8760539/
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The article is lacking in accuracy and depth. It fails to provide the complexities of blockchain and cryptocurrency. The author only skims the surface of two highly complex and intertwining concepts.
I agree with you, Ruby. An analysis of the risks and limitations of blockchain and cryptocurrency would have enriched the content of this article.
The references provided are from reputable sources, which adds credibility to this article. This is a commendable approach.
The post is potentially flawed, as any comparison between blockchain and cryptocurrency should recognize the overlap between the two. Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies are interdependent. This was not properly highlighted.
This is a very informative piece, it helps to understand and clarify the concepts and differences between Blockchain and Cryptocurrency. The examples provided are useful as well.
How interesting, the author has made a clear and concise explanation of the concepts of blockchain and cryptocurrency.
Absolutely, Hunt. The article missed the opportunity to delve into the synergistic relationship between blockchain and cryptocurrency.
I think the author should have mentioned some drawbacks of blockchain and/or cryptocurrency. It sounds like a little biased.