Public Ledger
Definition
A public ledger is a distributed, transparent record of all transactions maintained by a decentralized network. Anyone can read, verify, and audit the ledger. Blockchains are the most common implementation of public ledger technology.
Technical Explanation
Public ledgers achieve consensus across untrusted participants through cryptographic proofs and game theory. Every full node maintains an identical copy. Transactions are cryptographically linked, creating tamper-evident history anyone can verify independently.
Public doesn't mean transparent for all data. Privacy blockchains use public ledgers where transactions are visible but contents are encrypted—publicly verifiable that rules are followed while keeping details private.
SynX Relevance
SynX maintains a public ledger with privacy-preserving transactions. The network reaches public consensus on an auditable chain while cryptographic techniques keep transaction details private. Public verifiability, private contents.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can everyone see my transactions?
- Everyone sees encrypted transactions exist; only you and recipients know the contents.
- How is a public ledger different from a database?
- No central admin, distributed consensus, cryptographic immutability, permissionless access.
- Who maintains the public ledger?
- All participating nodes—decentralized and trustless.
Public consensus, private transactions. Explore SynX