Definition ∞ The UTXO accounts model, or Unspent Transaction Output model, is a method for tracking cryptocurrency ownership where each transaction consumes specific unspent outputs from previous transactions and creates new unspent outputs. Instead of maintaining a balance in an account, a user’s total holdings are the sum of all UTXOs they control. This model ensures clear ownership and transaction finality.
Context ∞ This model is foundational to Bitcoin and many other cryptocurrencies, offering distinct advantages in terms of privacy and transaction verification compared to account-based models. News often contrasts the UTXO model with account-based systems, discussing their respective implications for scalability, smart contract functionality, and transaction batching. Understanding UTXOs is essential for comprehending the technical underpinnings of these digital assets.