Ethereum: The Database Engine Behind the Blockchain
As one of the largest and most widely used decentralized applications (dApps) on the Ethereum network, it is crucial for anyone interested in cryptocurrency technology to understand how Bitcoin and other top altcoins store their blockchain data. In this article, we will look at the database engine used by Bitcoin and other altcoins to store their blockchain data.
What are databases?
A database is a collection of organized data stored on a computer or device that allows users to efficiently retrieve and manipulate information based on certain criteria. In the context of cryptocurrency, blockchains are distributed ledgers that record transactions in a secure and transparent manner.
How do altcoins store their blockchain data?
Altcoins like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and many others use various database engines to store their blockchain data. The most commonly used database engine is
Memcached, a popular caching system designed for high-performance, high-traffic environments.
Memcached: A key component of the Ethereum blockchain
In 2014, Vitalik Buterin, the creator of Ethereum, implemented Memcached as the default storage engine for the Ethereum blockchain. Memcached provides an efficient and scalable solution for storing large amounts of data, making it ideal for Ethereum’s high-traffic network.
Other database engines used by altcoins
While Memcached is widely used in Ethereum, there are other popular alternatives as well:
- Redis: A high-performance key-value store that can be used as a database engine.
- MongoDB: A document-oriented NoSQL database that can be used to store blockchain data.
- Riak: A high-performance distributed ledger system.
Comparison of Database Engines
| Database Engine | Scalability | Performance | SQL Query Support |
| — | — | — | — |
| Memcached | High | Very Good | Limited Support |
| Redis | Good | Excellent | Partial Support |
| MongoDB | Good | Excellent | Full Support |
| Riak | Good | Excellent | Partial Support |
Conclusion
In summary, Bitcoin and other top altcoins use Memcached as their default database engine to store their blockchain data. Although other alternatives such as Redis and MongoDB are also used, Memcached remains the most widely used solution on the Ethereum network. Understanding how these databases work provides valuable insight into how cryptocurrency technology works and allows individuals to optimize their own blockchain storage solutions.
Additional Resources
For more information, we recommend the following:
- Vitalik Buterin’s Blog: A comprehensive resource on Ethereum development, including a detailed explanation of how to use Memcached.
- Ethereum Documentation: The official Ethereum documentation provides a detailed overview of the database engine used by the blockchain.