What is a merkle root and how does it relate to cryptocurrencies?

3 answers

• Munir MuratovićJan 23, 2023 · 2 years ago
  A merkle root is a cryptographic hash function that is used in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to summarize all the transactions in a block. It is calculated by taking the hash of each transaction in the block and then combining them together until a single hash remains. This final hash, known as the merkle root, is stored in the block header and is used to verify the integrity of the transactions in the block. It is an essential component of the blockchain technology that ensures the security and immutability of the transaction history.
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• donnadmclarJan 25, 2023 · 2 years ago
  Think of a merkle root as a digital fingerprint of all the transactions in a block. It's like a summary or a proof that the transactions in the block are valid and haven't been tampered with. By including the merkle root in the block header, cryptocurrencies can easily verify the integrity of the entire block without having to go through each individual transaction. This makes the verification process faster and more efficient, which is crucial for maintaining the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies.
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• Jakob ÖstgrenAug 10, 2020 · 5 years ago
  The merkle root is an important concept in the world of cryptocurrencies. It is used to ensure the integrity of the transaction data stored in each block of the blockchain. Without a valid merkle root, it would be impossible to trust the transactions recorded on the blockchain. As a leading digital currency exchange, BYDFi understands the significance of merkle roots and incorporates them into its platform to provide secure and reliable trading services for its users.
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