Differences and Similarities of Cryptocurrency and Blockchain

Kaviya
Coinmonks
3 min readSep 30, 2022

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A blockchain is a decentralized ledger that records all transactions that take place on a peer-to-peer network. Participants can confirm transactions using this technology without the requirement for a central clearing authority.

Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that save records of crypto transactions using blockchain as a ledger.

About Blockchain

A blockchain, like a spreadsheet, is a collection of records or an electronic database. Unlike a conventional spreadsheet, a blockchain stores bigger amounts of information, such as cryptocurrency transaction data, in “blocks” or groups.

These blocks are dispersed over numerous computers, which is referred to as a “distributed ledger.” When a block hits its storage limit, it is “chained” to a previously filled block, and a new block is created.

About Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is digital money that has a market value similar to other currencies. Cryptocurrencies, like gold, can be used as a store of value. Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency to use blockchain technology.

As a result, other cryptocurrencies, such as Ether, developed their own blockchains (known as Ethereum).

Similarities Between Blockchain and Cryptocurrency

Undefinable

Blockchain and cryptocurrencies are both intangible concepts. Cryptocurrencies are ethereal digital tokens that, unlike the US currency or the Indian rupee, cannot be physically held. Blockchains for cryptocurrency storage do not exist in a single location or physical data center.

Developed

Blockchain and cryptocurrency are both technological advances. Blockchain is the technology that underpins cryptocurrencies. Blockchain technology is far more sophisticated and secure than traditional databases. Cryptocurrencies are more technologically advanced than conventional or paper money.

Inter — dependent

Blockchain was created to record bitcoin transactions, the world’s first cryptocurrency. Blockchains are used to record transactions in all major cryptocurrencies. When a new bitcoin is purchased, it is recorded in the bitcoin blockchain.

Differences Between Blockchain and Cryptocurrency

Nature’s Inheritance

Blockchain is a data storage technique that is used to save information on decentralized networks. Cryptocurrency, like the US dollar, is a medium of exchange. A blockchain can be used to store information other than cryptocurrency transaction data.

Monetary Worth

Every cryptocurrency has a monetary value. You’ve probably heard of Bitcoin reaching a peak of 65,000 dollars (around 48 lac rupees) or Ether reaching 4,000 dollars (about 3 lac rupees). There is no monetary value to a blockchain.

Utilization

Blockchain technology has applications that go beyond money. Blockchain technology can be used to record transactions in the banking, healthcare, supply chain, and retail industries. Cryptocurrency is a type of digital money that may be used to purchase goods and services as well as for investment.

Flexibility

The use of blockchain technology is global and decentralised. All of a blockchain’s records are not kept in a single place. Despite being stored in blockchains, cryptocurrency can be accessed through mobile wallets. If you have a bitcoin wallet, you can use it wherever merchants who accept bitcoins are located.

Visibility

Being a public ledger, blockchain offers a great level of transparency. Anyone can sign up for a blockchain network and access the data there. Cryptocurrencies, on the other hand, provide anonymity. Because of this, no one can tell who is behind a bitcoin transaction, even though anyone can see its source and destination.

A quick rundown of the main distinctions

Let’s summarize the reasons blockchain and bitcoin are two entirely different concepts before we move on:

Blockchain is a distributed database, whereas bitcoin is a cryptocurrency.

Blockchain technology, which underpins Bitcoin, has a wide range of applications.

Blockchain emphasizes transparency, whereas Bitcoin encourages anonymity. Blockchain must adhere to strong Know Your Customer regulations in order to be used in several industries, particularly banking.

While blockchain can be used to transfer anything, including information or property ownership rights, bitcoin only moves money between users.

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Kaviya
Coinmonks

Blockchain Research Scholar, Data Science, Content Writer