What is On Chain?
On Chain refers to any transaction, activity, or data that is directly recorded on a blockchain network. These records are immutable, publicly accessible (depending on the blockchain), and secured by the network’s consensus mechanism, such as proof-of-work or proof-of-stake.
On-chain transactions include sending cryptocurrency, deploying smart contracts, or recording specific data points on the blockchain. Once completed, these actions are validated by network nodes and added to a block, becoming a permanent part of the blockchain’s history.
For example, when someone transfers Bitcoin or Ethereum, the details of the transaction—such as sender, recipient, and amount—are documented on the blockchain. This process provides transparency and prevents tampering, as altering blockchain records would require immense computational effort and consensus across the network.
On-chain activities are critical to blockchain’s core principles of decentralization, security, and transparency. They contrast with off-chain activities, which occur outside the blockchain to reduce costs or enhance scalability.
