Block height is a measure of the number of blocks in a blockchain from the very first block, also known as the genesis block. Each new block in a blockchain network is linked to the previous block, creating a chain of blocks that is secured using cryptography. The block height increases each time a new block is added to the blockchain.
For example, if the current block height of a particular blockchain network is 10,000, it means that there have been 10,000 blocks added to the chain since the genesis block.
Block height is an important metric used to track the progress of a blockchain network, as it provides information about the size and complexity of the network. It is also used to verify transactions on the network, as each transaction is recorded on a specific block at a particular block height.
Block explorers, which are tools used to view and analyze blockchain data, often display the block height of a particular block in the blockchain. By entering the block height into a block explorer, users can view information about that particular block, such as its timestamp, transaction details, and the hash of the previous block.
Block height is a key metric used in the blockchain industry to identify the chronological order of transactions and blocks on a blockchain. Here are a few examples of block height:
1. Bitcoin: As of April 27, 2023, the current block height for the Bitcoin blockchain is 733,783.
2. Ethereum: As of April 27, 2023, the current block height for the Ethereum blockchain is 16,286,098.
3. Binance Smart Chain: As of April 27, 2023, the current block height for the Binance Smart Chain is 22,859,204.
Block height is an essential element in the blockchain ecosystem as it allows the nodes to identify the current state of the network and the chronological order of transactions. With every new block created, the block height is incremented, creating a new, unique identifier for each block on the chain.