What is a primary feature of blockchain technology?

Blockchain technology is fundamentally characterized by its decentralized ledger system. This means that instead of relying on a single central authority or server to maintain and validate transactions, a blockchain distributes this responsibility across a network of nodes, with each node holding a copy of the entire ledger. This decentralization enhances security, as there is no single point of failure and it is much harder for malicious actors to tamper with the data.

In addition, the decentralized nature of blockchain promotes transparency and trust, as all transactions are recorded in a way that is visible to all participants in the network, enabling any discrepancies to be easily identified and addressed. This foundational aspect is what distinguishes blockchain from traditional centralized databases, where control lies with a single entity and can lead to potential abuses or failures.