On-Chain Ledger

Definition ∞ An on-chain ledger is a public, immutable record of all transactions that occur directly on a blockchain network. Every transaction is verified by network participants and permanently added to the distributed ledger. This record provides transparency and a verifiable history of asset ownership and transfers. It forms the fundamental data structure for most cryptocurrencies and decentralized applications.
Context ∞ The on-chain ledger is central to the operation and security of decentralized digital asset systems. Its transparency allows for public verification of transactions, which is a key characteristic of blockchain technology. A significant discussion point involves the scalability limitations of storing all transaction data directly on the main chain. Future innovations, such as layer-2 solutions, aim to offload some transaction processing while maintaining the integrity of the on-chain record.