what is a blockchain for beginners 
a blockchain is a distributed network of files chained together using programs that create hashes or strings of numbers and letters that represent the information contained in the files every network participant is a computer or device that compares these hashes to the one they generate if there is a match the file is kept if there isn t the file is rejected the bottom linewith many practical applications for the technology already being implemented and explored blockchain is finally making a name for itself in no small part because of bitcoin and cryptocurrency as a buzzword on the tongue of every investor in the nation blockchain stands to make business and government operations more accurate efficient secure and cheap with fewer intermediaries as we head into the third decade of blockchain it s no longer a question of if legacy companies will catch on to the technology it s a question of when today we see a proliferation of nfts and the tokenization of assets tomorrow we may see a combination of blockchains tokens and artificial intelligence all incorporated into business and consumer solutions the comments opinions and analyses expressed on investopedia are for informational purposes online read our warranty and liability disclaimer for more info 