Blockchain And Traditional Databases Are Two Different Approaches To Storing And Managing Data. 

Blockchain is a distributed system that works based on the technology of a chain of blocks, and the data stored in it is placed in the form of a chain of connected blocks.

This blockchain is public, expandable, and shown to all network members, and no individual or organization can change or modify the stored data.

On the other hand, traditional databases manage data centrally based on a reference model.

In this approach, data is stored centrally in one place, and only users with the necessary access to these databases can access them.

Blockchain and traditional databases both have their advantages and disadvantages. Due to its distributed nature and high security, blockchain is used as a solution to store and transfer sensitive and vital data. But in some cases, the use of traditional databases will also be better than blockchain, especially in cases where there is a need for more speed and efficiency in performing data operations.

What are traditional databases?

Traditional databases (Relational Databases), as one of the main methods of storing and improving data access, include relational tables in which information is inserted relationally. In this method, data is placed in tables containing a set of columns and rows.

In traditional databases, SQL language is generally used to access data. SQL performs operations such as searching, adding, deleting, and updating database data as a standard and widely used language.

Traditional databases are used in many sensitive applications, such as banking, finance, medical information, etc., due to their support for ACID transactions (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability). Guarantee that the data entered in traditional databases can be accessed anytime. In case of an error during transactions, the previous data can be restored to the original state, which is one of this method’s advantages.

Traditional databases are generally used in many applications due to their simplicity and high compatibility with existing software and tools. They can be used as one of the essential bases for storing and managing data in information systems.

What are blockchain databases?

Blockchain databases, as one of the main methods of storing and improving access to data, include a chain of related blocks in which data is inserted as a block of information. Each block contains a set of transactions and a previous block hash. In this way, each block is immutably linked to the last block, and all transactions included in the blocks are publicly available.

In blockchain databases, unique methods such as digital signatures and cryptographic algorithms are used to access data. Also, to verify transactions, blockchain uses algorithms such as PoW (Proof of Work) or PoS (Proof of Stake).

As a new and secure way to store and improve access to data, blockchain is used in many applications such as digital payments, supply chains, insurance, real estate, etc. The benefits of blockchain include increasing security, flexibility, transparency, and reducing data transfer costs.

In short, blockchain databases, due to their high security and reliability, are used in many applications today and can be used as one of the essential bases for storing and managing data in information systems.

In what cases is blockchain better than traditional databases?

Blockchain outperforms traditional databases in many areas due to its advantages. For example:

Security: Blockchain has a higher level of protection than traditional databases. The data stored in the blockchain is protected using complex cryptographic algorithms, and no one can change it. Also, if one block in the blockchain is changed, all subsequent blocks are varied, making it impossible to attempt fraud.

Distributedness: Blockchain works in a distributed manner, and each network member has a copy of the data. The same issue makes it possible to solve the problems related to data explosion and security problems in traditional databases.

No need for intermediaries: In blockchain, smart contracts can be implemented without intermediaries. This will reduce the costs of mediation and related complications.

Transparency: The blockchain is publicly displayed, and all network members can see it. This makes for more transparency in the activities carried out in the blockchain.

Flexibility: Blockchain is highly adjustable and can be easily improved. Also, due to its distributed nature, if one member of the network is unable to connect to the network, the other members of the network can continue their work.

Therefore, blockchain performs better than traditional databases in areas that require high security, distributed news, disintermediation, transparency, and flexibility.

Is blockchain sometimes more efficient than traditional databases?

Blockchain and traditional databases use different approaches to storing and managing data. Each system has advantages and disadvantages; depending on the needs and other applications, one may work better.

Blockchain is receiving more attention due to its advantages, especially in cases where there is a need for high security, distributed mode, no need for mediation, transparency, and flexibility. For example, blockchain can outperform traditional databases due to its advantages in digital currency exchanges, banking, insurance, e-government, and supply chain.

However, in cases where there is a need for more speed and efficiency in performing data operations, traditional databases perform better. For example, traditional databases outperform blockchains in areas such as payment systems due to their higher speed and efficiency.

Therefore, blockchain or traditional databases may be the best data storage and management approach, depending on the needs and applications.

Can traditional databases be distributed like blockchain?

Yes, traditional databases can also be distributed. Today, there are distributed databases that work similarly to the blockchain and benefit from high security, flexibility, and high-speed data transfer between servers.

In distributed databases, data is distributed among multiple servers (possibly in multiple physical locations), and each server can manage a portion of the data. Also, the distributed architecture in these databases makes it easy to take advantage of high capabilities such as flexibility, fault tolerance, more stable status, and high traffic support. Therefore, traditional databases can also function in a distributed manner and some cases, may even perform better than blockchain, provided they meet the relevant application requirements.

Can blockchain and traditional databases merge?

The answer is yes; blockchain and traditional databases can be combined. This combination can be technically the best solution for many applications.

For example, in the field of the supply chain, it is possible to use a combination of blockchain and traditional databases. In this area, blockchain guarantees security and transparency in producing, transporting, and storing goods. In contrast, conventional databases are used to manage data about customers, orders, and payments. This combination helps companies use both approaches and provide a better customer experience.

Also, blockchain and traditional databases can be combined in banking and finance. For example, blockchain can manage bank account information and conduct secure and transparent transactions, while conventional databases contain customer data, orders, and financial information. Therefore, combining blockchain and traditional databases can be a suitable solution for many applications.

Is blockchain being used in our country?

Blockchain is a new technology in various fields, and it has been used in some industries and applications in our country.

For example, some companies and businesses use blockchain technology for digital currency exchanges. Also, some big companies in banking and insurance are using blockchain. Also, in electronic government, plans have been proposed to use blockchain n addition, experts can use this technology in the civil registration system and digital government documents to create more security in the registration and transfer of records.

In general, in our country, like other countries, blockchain is being used in some industries and applications, and due to the development of this technology, it can probably be expected that its use in other areas will increase in the future.

In short, the difference is decentralized control.

The main difference between traditional databases and blockchain databases is decentralized control. In traditional databases, data is stored in a centralized repository, and the power and management of data is the responsibility of a person or an organization. This method causes the security and transparency of the data; in case of unauthorized access to the repository center, all the data in the database will be compromised.

On the contrary, the data is decentralized in blockchain databases throughout the network, and no person or organization can control and manage the data alone. For example, in Bitcoin, all transactions are public and publicly available, and no person or organization can change or delete transactions. Also, blockchain is a security method to verify transactions and transfer data.

In short, the main difference between traditional databases and blockchain databases is decentralized control. In blockchain databases, data is decentralized across the network; no single person or organization controls and manages data.