Blockchain Working Examples

1. Bitcoin (BTC) - Cryptocurrency

- Overview: Bitcoin was the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, introduced by an anonymous person or group under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009.

- How it Works: Bitcoin transactions are recorded on a public blockchain. Miners validate transactions through a process called proof of work (PoW), solving complex cryptographic puzzles to add new blocks. This ensures the network remains secure and prevents double-spending.

- Real-World Use:

- People use Bitcoin as a store of value, often referred to as “digital gold.”

- Some businesses accept Bitcoin payments, including Tesla (at times), Microsoft, and Overstock.

2. Ethereum (ETH) - Smart Contracts & Decentralized Applications (DApps)

- Overview: Ethereum expands on Bitcoin’s concept by introducing smart contracts, which are self-executing agreements with predefined rules.

- How it Works: Developers write smart contracts in Solidity (Ethereum’s programming language), and these contracts automatically execute once conditions are met, eliminating the need for intermediaries.

- Real-World Use:

- Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Platforms like Uniswap and Aave allow users to lend, borrow, and trade assets without banks.

- Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): Ethereum powers marketplaces like OpenSea, enabling the buying and selling of digital art and collectibles.

3. IBM Food Trust - Supply Chain Management

- Overview: IBM Food Trust uses blockchain to enhance transparency and traceability in food supply chains.

- How it Works: Each participant in the supply chain (farmers, suppliers, distributors, retailers) logs data onto the blockchain, ensuring real-time tracking of food items.

- Real-World Use:

- Walmart: Uses IBM Food Trust to track leafy greens and other perishable goods from farm to shelf, reducing contamination risks.

- Nestlé & Carrefour: Track baby formula and dairy products to ensure authenticity and quality.

4. Ripple (XRP) - Cross-Border Payments

- Overview: Ripple is a blockchain-based payment protocol that enables fast and low-cost international money transfers.

- How it Works: Ripple’s XRP Ledger (XRPL) allows financial institutions to transfer funds in seconds, avoiding traditional banking delays. It does not rely on PoW or PoS but uses a consensus mechanism involving validators.

- Real-World Use:

- Santander & American Express: Use Ripple’s technology for cross-border transactions.

- MoneyGram (formerly partnered with Ripple): Tested XRP for instant remittances.

5. MedRec - Blockchain in Healthcare

- Overview: MedRec is a blockchain-based system designed for managing and sharing electronic health records (EHRs).

- How it Works:

- Patients’ medical data is stored on a private blockchain.

- Only authorized healthcare providers can access records, ensuring privacy and preventing unauthorized changes.

- Real-World Use:

- Hospitals and research institutions use MedRec to securely manage patient data while allowing controlled access for research and medical advancements.

6. Voatz - Blockchain-Based Voting

- Overview: Voatz is a blockchain-powered voting system aimed at making elections more secure, transparent, and accessible.

- How it Works:

- Voters use a mobile app to verify their identity via biometric authentication.

- Their votes are securely recorded on a blockchain, ensuring transparency and immutability.

- Real-World Use:

- West Virginia, USA: Piloted Voatz for overseas military personnel in elections.

- Utah County: Used Voatz in municipal elections to improve accessibility.