Public Ledger

Definition ∞ A public ledger is a distributed database that is shared and accessible to all participants on a network. In blockchain technology, this ledger immutably records all transactions and is maintained by a consensus mechanism. Its transparency allows for verification and auditing by any party with access to the network.
Context ∞ The concept of a public ledger is fundamental to the trust and transparency of blockchain networks, forming the basis for many digital asset transactions. News often highlights the immutable and auditable nature of these ledgers as key differentiators from traditional centralized databases. Discussions may also involve privacy considerations and the development of solutions that allow for selective disclosure of information while preserving the integrity of the underlying public record.