Blockchain is a technology that has revolutionized many industries, from finance and logistics to healthcare and public services. This decentralized data storage system provides a high degree of transparency, security and resistance to fraud. However, not all blockchains are the same. Depending on the architecture, purpose and degree of decentralization, there are several types of blockchains. In this article, we will look at the main types of blockchains, their features, and also find out how many of them exist at the moment.
The main types of blockchains
Public Blockchains
Public blockchains are fully decentralized systems that are accessible to all network participants. Anyone can join the network, participate in the process of validating transactions and adding blocks to the chain. The main advantage of public blockchains is their transparency and high level of security due to decentralization.
Examples: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH).
Features:
Decentralization and the absence of a single governing body.
High level of security due to consensus algorithms (Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, etc.).
Full transparency — all transactions are available for verification by all network participants.
Private Blockchains
Private blockchains differ from public ones in that they are managed by a single organization or group of participants. In such systems, access to the network is limited, and only trusted participants can interact with the blockchain.
Examples: Hyperledger, R3 Corda.
Features:
Centralized management and access control.
Higher performance and transaction speed compared to public blockchains.
Application in a corporate environment to improve the efficiency of internal processes.
Consortium Blockchains
Consortium blockchains are an intermediate option between public and private systems. In such blockchains, management is carried out by a group of organizations, which ensures a high level of trust and security when working together.
Examples: Quorum, Energy Web Chain.
Features:
Management is distributed among several participants (a consortium).
Limited network access for selected participants.
They are used in intercorporate projects where the joint work of several organizations is required.
Hybrid Blockchains
Hybrid blockchains combine elements of both public and private blockchains. They allow organizations to customize access and management levels, while ensuring transparency and decentralization where necessary.
Examples: Dragonchain.
Features:
A combination of the advantages of public and private blockchains.
Flexibility in setting up access and management.
The ability to integrate with other blockchain systems.
How many blockchains are there at the moment?
It is difficult to name a clear number of existing blockchains, since new projects and platforms appear every year. However, it can be said that at the moment there are thousands of blockchains, many of which function as separate networks designed for specific tasks.
If we consider the most popular and actively used blockchains, their number ranges from several hundred. These blockchains can be either global (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain and others) or specialized, designed for a narrow range of tasks (for example, blockchains in the field of logistics, medicine or finance).
Conclusion
Blockchain technology continues to evolve, offering more and more opportunities for various industries. Depending on the requirements of the business and the level of decentralization, you can choose the appropriate type of blockchain — from completely public, accessible to everyone, to private or hybrid solutions. Today, there are many blockchains, and their number continues to grow as new technologies and innovations become available.