What does blockchain height mean?

The blockchain height is the number of the latest block in the blockchain and represents the cumulative record of all transactions and data. It reflects network security, transaction confirmation time and synchronization status. Blockchain height can be obtained from block explorers, node software, or API calls. Under normal circumstances, the height increases as new blocks are added, but in the case of a blockchain fork, the height may decrease.

Blockchain height

Blockchain height refers to the latest current value in the blockchain Block number or location. It represents the cumulative record of all transactions and data contained in the blockchain.

The significance of height

Blockchain height is crucial to understanding the current state of the blockchain network. It provides the following information:

• Network Security: The block with a higher height means that the block is verified and confirmed by more nodes, so it is more susceptible to malicious attacks. Great resistance.
• Transaction confirmation time: New transactions usually need to be confirmed in several blocks. The higher the blockchain height, the longer the transaction confirmation time may be.
• Network synchronization: When a node synchronizes to the blockchain, its height will increase. Nodes with lower heights may be lagging behind the network while nodes with higher heights are updated.

How to determine the blockchain height

There are many ways to determine the blockchain height:

• Block Explorer: Online tools such as Etherscan or Blockchain.com allow you to view the height of a blockchain and other relevant information.
• Node software: Running blockchain node software (such as Bitcoin Core) can access the current blockchain height.
• API Call: Some blockchain networks provide APIs that allow you to query the blockchain height.

Fluctuation in Height

Blockchain height usually increases as new blocks are added. However, in some cases, the height may decrease, such as when a blockchain forks. A fork is a situation where two or more different versions appear in the blockchain. In this case, the higher blockchain version will become the new valid chain and the lower blockchain version will be discarded.

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