Blockchain technology, a form of [[Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)]], is a revolutionary decentralized digital ledger that facilitates [[disintermediation]] by enabling [[peer-to-peer]] transactions without the need for traditional intermediaries, such as banks or governments. It securely records transactions across a distributed network of computers, ensuring [[transparency]], [[immutability]], and [[integrity]] through [[cryptographic hashing]]. Each block in the chain contains a timestamped batch of transactions and is linked to previous blocks, creating an unalterable historical record. This mechanism not only enhances [[security]] and [[trust]] among participants but also opens up new avenues for [[🔎 Efficiency]] and [[innovation]] in various sectors, including [[finance]], supply chain management, and healthcare. Its applications extend to various industries, offering a trustless and efficient way to record and verify transactions, contracts, and data without the need for a central authority. Cryptocurrencies, like **[[🔎 Bitcoin (₿, $BTC)]]**, use blockchain for secure transactions.