Everything will be tokenized and connected by a blockchain one day – Fred Ehrsam (founder, Coinbase)
Indeed, the words of Fred Ehrsam ring true now more than ever. The use of blockchain in various transactions and projects has reached unbelievable heights. This permeation of blockchain necessitates an adequate knowledge base for persons directly and indirectly affected by it. This article brings such knowledge to your fingertips as it examines the three popular types of blockchains by analyzing the differences between all three.
What are the Types of Blockchains
Blockchain comes in different forms and can be utilized for various functions. The peculiarities of each kind depend on its characteristics. The three popular ones have been expatiated below.
Public Blockchain
Otherwise called ‘trustless or permissionless’ blockchains, public blockchains are exactly as the name implies; they are blockchains widely available for everyone involved in the use of blockchain for transactions and projects. With a public blockchain, there is no central authority or control. Ironically, it is used for networks that require high transparency. However, the caveat with public blockchain is that with more transparency comes less privacy.
Private Blockchain
A private blockchain is also known to be a ‘permissioned’ blockchain. A private blockchain is certainly more restrictive than its counterparts. It only allows a selected number of persons to be present within an existing closed network where only certain persons or groups have the authority to validate transactions on the blockchain network. Nonetheless, privacy lowers transparency and encourages corruption.
Hybrid Blockchain
Hybrid blockchain entails a bit of the previous blockchains above. It allows for transactions in which an authority determines the trades or data to be made private. Traditional hybrid blockchains are private but can easily be made publicly verifiable if the need arises
What are the differences between the Types of Blockchain
There are several visible differences between the blockchains above. For one, their major difference is the ease of access. With public blockchains, any user can join the blockchain network without restrictions. However, the opposite is the case for private blockchains, as users have restricted access to the network.
Also, transparency is a priority for private blockchains, and security is key. Conversely, public blockchains allow users to join networks pseudo-anonymously without being known. Private blockchains may not be as secure as a public blockchain because the latter has many nodes that validate and confirm transactions.
Notably, public blockchains themselves take longer to process transactions due to the nodes, network size, and validation process. On the other hand, a private system is relatively faster because fewer people are on the network.
Finally, the hybrid system involves a blend of permissioned and permissionless blockchains. The network can allow users a bit more than a private blockchain in appropriate instances. Where validation is required, it can also make the transaction public for validation processes. Many have found it wise to settle for the hybrid system.
Conclusion
Any blockchain above can be employed for transactions depending on style, function, and purpose. However, be sure to do adequate research to confirm the viability and suitability of a blockchain before use.
