NAME- RISHABH GEHLOT

UID-21BCS9267
SECTION-15
DATE-15-01-2023
Value Added Course- “Blockchain Essentials and Development of DApps”
Assignment 1
MM:15
Note:- The Assignment consists of 5 questions. Attempt any three. Each question carries
equal marks.

Q1. Which features distinguish databases from blockchain ledgers? Provide a comparative
analysis of the two.
Q2. Explain how blockchain can be introduced in the education system to certify the credentials
of candidate teachers and ascertain the security of the pupils’ personal data.

Q3. How does blockchain technology prevent/ solve the problem of “Double spending” in
digital currencies such as Bitcoin?
Q4. Suggest which type of blockchain should be used for the security of donations in a charity
organization. What benefits does the blockchain technology introduce in such a scenario?
Explain your answer using an example.
Q5. Analyse, using a diagram, how a distributed ledger works, present its main characteristics,
and explain how it differs from a “traditional” centralized ledger.
ANSWERS-:
ANS1. Databases and blockchain ledgers are both types of data storage
systems, but they have several key differences.
One of the main differences is that databases are typically centralized, while
blockchain ledgers are decentralized. In a centralized database, there is a single
point of control and access, while in a decentralized blockchain, there is no single
point of control and every node in the network has a copy of the ledger.

Another key difference is that databases are typically designed for high-speed
transactions and are optimized for fast writes and reads, while blockchains are
optimized for security and immutability. In a database, data can be easily
modified and deleted, while in a blockchain, once data is recorded in a block, it
cannot be altered.
Additionally, databases are typically used for private data storage and
management, while blockchain is often used for public data and the
management of digital assets.
In terms of security, traditional databases are vulnerable to hacking and data
breaches, while blockchains use complex cryptographic algorithms to ensure the
security and integrity of the data stored on the ledger.
In summary, databases and blockchain ledgers are both data storage systems,
but they have different characteristics and are typically used for different
purposes. Databases are centralized, optimized for high-speed transactions, and
are commonly used for private data storage. On the other hand, blockchain
ledgers are decentralized, optimized for security and immutability, and
commonly used for public data and the management of digital assets.

ANS 2. Blockchain technology can be used in the education system to certify the
credentials of candidate teachers and to ensure the security of pupils’ personal
data in the following ways:

1. Digital Credentials: Blockchain can be used to create a secure and

tamper-proof digital record of a teacher’s credentials, such as their
educational qualifications, professional certifications, and work
experience. This information can be stored on a blockchain platform
and shared with schools and other educational institutions for easy
verification.
2. Secure Data Management: Blockchain can be used to store and
manage sensitive data, such as pupils’ personal information, in a
secure and transparent manner. Blockchain-based systems can
provide secure and private access to the information for authorized
parties only, such as school administrators and government officials.
3. Learning Management Systems: Blockchain can be integrated with
Learning Management Systems (LMS) to record student performance
and progress. This can be used for tracking student’s achievements,
and also for providing verifiable records of their education history.
4. Digital Certificates: Blockchain can be used to issue and verify digital
certificates, such as diplomas or degrees, which can be used to
demonstrate the authenticity of the student’s education and
qualification.
By implementing these blockchain-based solutions in the education system,
educational institutions can ensure that they are hiring qualified teachers and that
pupils’ personal information is protected, while also providing students with
verifiable records of their education history.

ANS 3. Blockchain technology is used to prevent the problem of double

spending in digital currencies like Bitcoin by using a consensus mechanism
called “proof of work.” This mechanism ensures that a digital currency can only
be spent once by requiring a consensus among all nodes in the network that a
particular transaction is valid.
The process works as follows: When a user initiates a transaction, it is
broadcasted to the entire network of nodes. These nodes, called “miners,” then
race to validate the transaction by solving a complex mathematical problem. The
first miner to solve the problem gets to add the transaction to the blockchain,
which is a public ledger of all transactions on the network.

Once a transaction is added to the blockchain, it cannot be altered or deleted.

This makes it impossible for a user to spend the same digital currency multiple
times because once it’s spent, the transaction is recorded on the blockchain and
can be seen by all other nodes on the network. This mechanism ensures that
digital currencies like Bitcoin are only spent once, preventing the problem of
double spending.
It’s important to note that this mechanism not only ensures that the transactions
are verified but also ensures the integrity of the network by making the network
more resistant to tampering and fraud.