Merkle Trees

Definition ∞ A data structure that uses hashing to efficiently verify the integrity of large sets of data. It organizes data into a tree-like structure where each leaf node is a hash of a data block, and parent nodes are hashes of their children, culminating in a single root hash. This structure allows for quick and secure verification of specific data elements.
Context ∞ ‘Merkle Trees’ are foundational to blockchain technology, enabling efficient block verification and supporting concepts like simplified payment verification (SPV). Discussions frequently arise concerning their application in scaling solutions and ensuring data consistency across distributed networks. The security and efficiency of Merkle Tree implementations are paramount for the integrity of blockchain systems.