Breaking down blockchains

In this section, we shall try to break down the mathematical problem, number X, the reference number, the rule, and how they work together to allow recording transactions in a consensual and secured manner.

Let's summarize what we have so far:

• The page is what we call a Block.
• Date time provided on screen B is what we call the timestamp of the block.
• Number X is known as a nonce. It is the number that the nodes of the blockchain network (in our example, the villagers) try to find to reach the output number that respects the rule given by the wall.
• The process of finding number X is called mining.
• The rule given by the wall is called a hash function.
• We will see what the reference number is, in later sections.