Distributed Ledger
concept · blockchain
A distributed ledger is a replicated record shared across many nodes, keeping participants synchronized on transactions or state.
- Also known as
- DLT
Distributed ledger technology (DLT) includes blockchains and other replicated databases where participants maintain shared records. Consensus protocols, permissions, and audit rules determine how honest nodes converge on the same state.
Key properties may include immutability, transparency, auditability, and fault tolerance. Tradeoffs vary between permissionless systems open to anyone and permissioned systems run by known participants.
Related terms
Blockchain
→A distributed ledger made of cryptographically linked blocks that record transactions under shared consensus rules.
concept · blockchain · technology
Node
→Software that participates in a peer-to-peer network by validating, serving, relaying, or requesting blockchain data.
network · blockchain