The way we exchange and save data has been changed by blockchain technology. It has emerged as a crucial tool for secure and effective data management solutions for enterprises.
The flexibility of blockchain technology to build various networks that meet the particular requirements of different businesses is one of its most essential and effective features. Two of the most prevalent types of blockchain networks are private and public blockchains.
While their methods of operation are similar, they differ in several significant ways. We’ll talk about the distinction between private and public blockchains in this blog.
Public Blockchain
Everyone is welcome to join networks known as public blockchains. Since they are transparent and decentralized, no single entity influences the network. Without middlemen, participants in public blockchain networks can exchange information and value. The Bitcoin network is the most well-known example of a public blockchain. Ethereum, Ripple, and Litecoin are other digital currencies with public blockchains.
Security: Public blockchains are extraordinarily secure. They employ sophisticated algorithms to protect the network and guarantee that transactions are legitimate. The network’s users can confirm the transactions, making it more difficult for malicious parties to control the system.
Access: A public blockchain network is accessible to everyone. No authorization is needed for participants to join the network.
Order of magnitude: A public blockchain is lightweight and offers transaction speed, so its magnitude is smaller than a private blockchain’s.
Speed: Public blockchains can be sluggish due to the agreement method used to verify transactions. Before a transaction can be added to the blockchain, all parties must accept it.
Applications: Decentralized and open applications are ideal for public blockchain networks. They are used for decentralized apps such as smart contracts and cryptocurrency transfers.
Pros
- Public blockchains are great for applications that need security and transparency since they are transparent and decentralized.
- A public blockchain network is open to participation by anyone, making it available to everyone.
- Due to the consensus method– they utilize to validate transactions making them extremely safe.
Cons
- Due to the consensus method they employ, public blockchains might be sluggish.
- Public blockchains can have security flaws because of their transparency.
- Applications that need confidentiality or privacy may not be appropriate for public blockchains.
Private Blockchain
Closed networks, known as private blockchains, are frequently employed within businesses. They are centralized and under the direction of a single or a collection of entities. Private blockchain networks only allow participants who have been granted access. Instances of private blockchain include Quorum, R3 Corda, and Hyperledger Fabric.
Security: Private blockchains are safe since only authorized users may access them. Comparing them to open blockchains indicates they are less susceptible to security breaches.
Access: A participant must be authorized to join a private blockchain network. Because of this, private blockchains are more exclusive than public ones.
Order of magnitude: Compared to the open blockchain, the order of magnitude is higher.
Speed: Because private blockchains do not require consensus among many participants, they can be speedier than public blockchains.
Applications: A private blockchain network is the greatest option for apps requiring secrecy and security. They are used in finance, healthcare, and supply chain administration.
Pros
- Only authorized individuals can access private blockchains, which are more secure than public ones.
- As private blockchains do not require consensus among many participants, they can be speedier than public blockchains.
- Applications that need anonymity and privacy should use private blockchains.
Cons
- Since private blockchains are centralized, they lack the same level of openness as public blockchains.
- Less accessible than public blockchains, private blockchains demand authorization to join the network.
- Single-point attacks may be possible on private blockchains.
Andrew is a blockchain developer who developed his interest in cryptocurrencies while his post-graduation. He is a keen observer of details and shares his passion for writing along with being a developer. His backend knowledge about blockchain helps him give a unique perspective to his writing
