What are the Differences Between Blockchain And Traditional Databases

If you’ve heard of bitcoin, you’re likely to be familiar with Blockchain. This technology is being touted as a solution to nearly every issue with current transactions that confront the world. 

Due to how well-known it has grown over the last few years and its many applications, people who are new to the technology are often asking whether there’s a difference between Blockchain as opposed to a database as they share many striking similarities.

These attributes are why many people consider Blockchains Blockchain as “just another database,” and its capabilities are achievable using traditional, tried-and-tested technology. 

Some skeptics believe that the main distinction between the Blockchain and traditional databases is the hype surrounding the latter. But the term “Blockchain” is indeed a bit misleading. Blockchain is more than an information system, and you will be able to tell the difference in a short time. 

This blog will present the most detailed comparison of the most trendy topic – Blockchain and traditional databases. To understand the difference between these concepts, it’s important to know how each is created and maintained. In the end, you will be able to know if a Blockchain development company is better for you or not.

Differences Between Blockchain And Traditional Databases 

Traditional Databases

Traditional databases utilize client-server network architecture. A user (known as the client) can modify data stored on a central server. 

The database’s control remains to a specific authority who authenticates a user’s credentials before granting an access point to the database. 

Because this authority is accountable for the administration of the database, data could be altered or deleted if the integrity of this authority’s security is breached.

Blockchain Databases

These databases comprise a variety of decentralized nodes. And every node is highly involved in administration. All nodes validate any new entries to the Blockchain and can enter new information into the database. 

To add data to the Blockchain, all nodes must be in agreement. This consensus mechanism ensures protection for the Blockchain, which makes it 100% secure and unchangeable.  

In Bitcoin, the consensus is achieved through mining (solving complicated hashing puzzles). In Ethereum, the consensus is reached through mining. Ethereum is looking to implement evidence of stake for a consensus mechanism.

Pro tip: You can learn more about Blockchain databases from any reputable Blockchain development company.

Traditional Database Architecture

It is built on the client-server model. Clients are users of the service who request access to a specific information collection. 

The request is processed by the server hosting a database. The open database connection is employed to establish a line of communication between clients and databases.

This is further protected by the client software, authenticated before access. Access is restricted to those with authentic login credentials and a password in private databases. 

Defining the Architecture of Blockchain

The Network Nodes constitute the core of Blockchain technology. They operate using a P2P, Peer-to-Peer model. Every peer/node can be another node. 

There isn’t any superiority or disadvantage between the two nodes concerning responsibility, but there is a possibility of a difference in the total computing resources they already have. The network’s peers ensure the authenticity that is the Blockchain.

Blockchain database technology protocols are the longest-running active chain based on the structure. This, in turn, decentralizes administration, ensures it is safe and reliable to trust and earns its points compared to Blockchain and distributed databases.

Managing Traditional Database

Databases can support CRUD operations which means you can create, read, edit and erase records. The management of databases is centralized and is under high supervision of an admin.  

The administrator can modify the database possibly at any time. Their main job is to improve the efficiency of the database and reduce redundancy. As databases grow, it will also increase the frequency of daily audits and the list for maintenance work.

DBMS Architecture Diagram Levels

Backups are essential for databases because everything can go wrong. Data could become corrupted, servers crash and important information could be lost. In these instances, backups of the database are restored. Backups also allow for archiving several versions of a database.

Managing Blockchain

Blockchain technology separates administration from the technology and splits it between all nodes on the network to ensure that it is running by using their computers. Each node stores an exact copy/replica of the Blockchain. If one wants to change the content of a block connect with blockchain developers, its hash needs to be modified. 

Because Blockchain technology can automatically change the difficulty level to hash the block, many computers will be required to alter the hash of all blocks.

Since no authorization from authority is required to conduct transactions on Blockchain, there are no authorizations required to transact on Blockchain, which renders them unrestricted. Thus, you can utilize Blockchain for storing data with the added benefit of these capabilities.

What to Choose Among Blockchain and Traditional Databases

When to Choose Blockchain Development Company? 

• Monetary transactions
• Value transfer
• Verification of reliable data (identity or reputation, trustworthiness, integrity, etc.)
• Public Key Verification
• Decentralized applications (DApps)
• Systems for voting

When to Choose Database 

• Information that requires continuous updating such as sensors, monitoring, and monitoring
• Quick online transaction processing
• Confidential information (non-transparent)
• Markets and financial data require rapid processing
• Information that doesn’t require verification
• Applications that stand alone and store information
• Data from relationships

Some Last Words

Many other aspects to be discussed concerning Blockchain and traditional databases were not covered because of their huge range of topics. We have presented just a few major facts from a technical perspective. 

It’s not true that databases are better than Blockchains, nor are they superior to databases. Both Blockchain and traditional databases serve a function and how they are utilized depends on what you plan to do with your data.

Author’s Bio

Peter Handscomb is an expert blockchain developer at MobileCoderz an established blockchain development company. With more than 17 years of professional expertise, he has worked with all different types of businesses. Apart from the app industry experience, he is a philanthropist and works for homeless people.