> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://block-convey.gitbook.io/block-convey/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://block-convey.gitbook.io/block-convey/blockchain-technology.md). # Blockchain Technology A blockchain is a digital ledger that contains a continuously expanding log of transactions and their chronological order. The data structure is in the other words a ledger that may contain digital transactions, data records, and executables. The primary purpose of blockchain technologies is to remove the need for intermediaries and replace them with a distributed network of digital users who work in partnership to verify transactions and safeguard the integrity of the ledger. Contrary to centralized systems, every member of the blockchain network holds his own copy of the ledger or can access it in the open cloud (see also Fig. 2.1).
Figure 2.1. Centralized and distributed transactional platforms: a single trusted authority manages the ledger as opposed to every member holding a copy of the ledger. Source: M. Andoni et al.

Figure 2.1. Centralized and distributed transactional platforms: a single trusted authority manages the ledger as opposed to every member holding a copy of the ledger.

As a result, anyone in the network can have access to the historical log of the system transactions and verify their validity, enabling a high level of transparency. If central management is removed, the challenge resides in finding an efficient way to consolidate and synchronize multiple copies of the ledger. The exact process of validation and ledger consolidation varies for different types of blockchains; however, in principle, network members compare their versions of the ledger through a process intuitively akin to distributed voting, through which consensus on the valid state of the ledger is reached. These validation mechanisms are known as distributed consensus algorithms, and BlockConvey’s Proof of Authority consensus is described extensively later. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://block-convey.gitbook.io/block-convey/blockchain-technology.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.