Technology is ever-changing, therefore it is improved and enables us to work more efficiently and satisfy the needs of data storage and networking.
Storing data and access to that data is important for the organization. Although, different types of data structure is used to maintain information of the organization.
Blockchain and database is different type of data structure, that are very distinct from each other.
Key Takeaways
- Blockchains store data in an encrypted, decentralized, and tamper-resistant manner; databases use centralized storage and can be easily modified.
- Blockchain technology enables trustless transactions and increased transparency; databases depend on trust in centralized authorities.
- Blockchains have slower transaction processing speeds and require more storage than traditional databases.
Blockchain vs Database
The difference between Blockchain and Database is that Blockchain has no centralization of data storage. On the other hand, a database has a way of centralized data storage. Moreover, Blockchain is not managed by any administrator, while a database is managed by a database administrator. Furthermore, Blockchain has all changes including previous and current changes, while the database has only current changes.
Blockchain is a type of data structure consisting of a chain of blocks that records a database. There’s no centralization of data along with no administrator on managing data.
Moreover, every change including previous and current changes is saved on the database. Furthermore, blockchain is mainly used to store transactional data exclusively used for bitcoin.
A database is also a type of data structure consisting of tables and schemes of data structures. There’s centralization of data along with data administrator managing data.
Moreover, Only current changes are saved in the database. Furthermore, the database is used for extensive data and requires modification. And data is modified by anyone who has sufficient access to it.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of comparison | Blockchain | Database |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Blockchain is a type of data structure that consists of blocks of data, thereby recording the database in it. | The database is a type of data structure that consists of tables and schemas that record the data of the user in it. |
| Storage | Blockchain has no centralized storage in it. | The database has centralized storage in it. |
| Administration | Blockchain has no administrator to manage the data. | The database is managed by a data administrator. |
| Record of data | Blockchain records every change including previous and current changes. | Database records only current changes. |
| Use | Blockchain is extensively used for transactions and mainly in Bitcoin. | Databases are used to save a large amount of data containing information about users. |
What is Blockchain?
Blockchain is a database that consists of blocks of data records in the form of data. It allows users to work together in a unified network allowing communication and sharing information but with the help of consensus of the algorithm.
Centralization of the data is not required in blockchain even the storage of data is decentralized. Along with that, an administration is not required for managing data in the blockchain.
Therefore, decentralization and no administration are the major pros of the blockchain.
Besides, the data is updated but the blockchain keeps the present and past data stored as well. Even modification doesn’t require the permission of any, it only requires a copy of data. Yet, the master copy of the data in the blockchain is undisturbed.
Moreover, the blockchain is not suitable for an eminent amount of data, it deals with transaction platforms. An eminent amount of data slows down the process in blockchain ledger technology.
The working of the blockchain is one user sends information to another user, this is saved as a transaction.
Every transaction needs to be validated by the consensus algorithm, so there is no invalid transaction in the blockchain.
In the blockchain, the blocks contain every transaction and other information necessary for the operation of the blockchain.
What is Database?
The database is a type of data structure that consists of tables and schemas including necessary data of the user in it. It has the unique feature of being able to read and write.
Additionally, it also allows having multiple copies of the data and history.
Centralization of the data is required in the database even the storage of data is centralized. Along with that, an administration is required for managing data in the blockchain.
Therefore, centralization and administration are the significant factors of the database.
Besides, the data is updated but the database keeps only the present data not the past data. Even modification requires the permission of the trusted authority.
Indeed, the database is managed by a centralized authority.
Moreover, the database is suitable for an eminent amount of data, it deals with large data for a long time. Certain functionalities slow down the process in the database although has a great performance.
Furthermore, the database is mostly used by the apps and systems that have a continuous flow of data, storage of confidential data, apps, and systems without data verification, and relational data.
Additionally, the benefits of the database are controls of data redundancy, data sharing, easy maintenance, time reduction, backup, and multiple user interfaces.
Main Differences Between Blockchain and Database
Data storage is a very important factor for any organization. Although, there are different types of data structures that consist of all the information in a certain data structure.
Besides, data may or may not have centralized data and even administrator is not necessary at all. Blockchain and database is very different type of data structures, yet they can be seen as similar.
In fact, blockchain and databases are very distinct from each other.
- Blockchain is a type of data structure that consists of blocks of data, thereby recording the database in it. Meanwhile, the database is a type of data structure that consists of tables and schemas that record the data of the user in it.
- Blockchain has no centralized storage in it, while the database has centralized storage in it.
- Blockchain has no administrator to manage the data. On the other hand, the database is managed by a data administrator.
- Blockchain records every change including previous and current changes, while the database records only current changes.
- Blockchain is extensively used for transactions and mainly in Bitcoin, while the database is used to save a large amount of data containing information of users.
References
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8456055/
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/knowledge-engineering-review/article/blockchainbased-database-management-system/9F946ACEB1041D6B075F593ABE024BDF
Last Updated : 18 July, 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.
