Blockchain technology is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to provide secure and transparent record-keeping systems. One of the key components of blockchain is the hashing process, which takes input data and converts it into a fixed-size output that cannot be reversed. However, what happens to the size of this output data after hashing can have a significant impact on the efficiency and scalability of a blockchain network. In this article, we will explore what happens to data size after hashing in blockchain, and how it affects the performance of blockchain networks.
Understanding Hashing
Before we delve into what happens to data size after hashing in blockchain, let’s first understand what hashing is. Hashing is a mathematical function that takes an input piece of data (such as a password or transaction) and converts it into a fixed-size output that cannot be reversed. This output, known as a hash value, is unique to the input data and can be used to verify the integrity of the data.
Example: Hashing Passwords
Let’s take the example of a password. Suppose we have the password “password123”. We can hash this password using a cryptographic hash function to generate a hash value, which will be unique to the input password and cannot be reversed.
Example: Hashing Transactions
Similarly, in a blockchain network, transactions are also hashed using cryptographic hash functions to ensure their integrity and prevent any tampering or fraud. The hash value of a transaction is then included in the block along with other transactional data, creating an immutable record of the transaction on the blockchain.
Case Study: Bitcoin
Let’s take the example of Bitcoin, one of the most popular and widely used cryptocurrencies in the world. Bitcoin uses the SHA-256 hash function to secure transactions and ensure their integrity. Each Bitcoin block contains a fixed number of transactions (currently 10 minutes), and each transaction is hashed using the SHA-256 hash function before being included in the block.
Impact on Data Size After Hashing in Blockchain
Now that we understand what hashing is and how it is used in blockchain networks let’s explore what happens to data size after hashing in blockchain. As mentioned earlier, the output of the hash function for a single input piece of data (such as a password or transaction) is much smaller than the original data.