What is Block Height?
Block Height refers to the position of a block within a blockchain, measured as the number of preceding blocks between it and the initial block in the chain, called the genesis block. For example, if a block has a block height of 100, it means there are 100 blocks between this block and the Genesis block.
In blockchain technology, Block Height is crucial because it signifies the progress and length of the blockchain. As each new block is added, the block height increases, representing the continuous expansion of the ledger. This growth is fundamental to ensuring the accuracy and security of the data stored within a blockchain, as each block contains a unique hash that links to the previous one.
Block Height also helps in verifying transactions. If a transaction was recorded in block 1000, nodes in the network can reference the block height to validate that this transaction has a confirmed place in the blockchain. Moreover, Block Height is a significant factor in understanding chain splits, as forks in the blockchain can occur at specific heights.
