Append Only Merkle Tree

Definition ∞ An Append Only Merkle Tree is a cryptographic data structure where new data can only be added to the end, maintaining a verifiable history without allowing modification or deletion of existing entries. Each new data block extends the tree, generating a new root hash that cryptographically confirms the integrity of all prior and current data. This structure ensures data immutability and provides efficient proof of inclusion for any element within the sequence. It serves as a foundational component for transparent and tamper-proof record-keeping.
Context ∞ Append Only Merkle Trees are fundamental to blockchain technology, providing the verifiable backbone for transaction ledgers and event logs. Their immutability is central to the trustless nature of decentralized systems, making them critical for audit trails and verifiable data streams in digital asset management. Ongoing advancements in Merkle tree variants seek to further optimize proof generation and verification for specific blockchain scaling solutions.