Blockchain Logical Execution
Glossary
Term DefinitionsBlockchainA secure, decentralized database of transaction records, consisting of blocks of data connected in chronological order.TransactionAn operation that transfers value on a blockchain, usually including inputs and outputs.InputThe source of a transaction, referencing the output of a previous transaction.OutputThe destination of a transaction, assigning the value of a transaction.ScriptA piece of code embedded in a transaction, used to verify the validity of a transaction.Cryptographic KeysA key pair used to encrypt and decrypt data, including public and private keys.Public KeyA key that can be made public, used to verify digital signatures.Private KeyA key that must be kept secret, used to generate digital signatures.SignatureA private key is used to digitally sign a transaction, proving the initiator of the transaction.Signature Hash TypeSpecifies which parts of a transaction are signed, affecting the transaction's modification permissions.SIGHASH_ALLA signature hash type that signs the entire transaction, including all inputs and outputs, to prevent any modification. SIGHASH_NONEA signature hash type that only signs transaction inputs, allowing outputs to be modified. Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC)A public key cryptography system based on elliptic curves that provides efficient encryption and signature algorithms. Logic GateAn electronic circuit that performs logical operations, such as AND, NOT, OR, XOR, IMPLY, NAND, NONIMPLY, XNOR. Shared SecretA key shared between two or more participants for encrypted communication. Hash FunctionA function that maps data of arbitrary length to a hash value of fixed length, used to verify data integrity. Short Answer Question
What are the typical components of a blockchain transaction?
Blockchain transactions usually contain inputs and outputs. Inputs reference previous transaction outputs as the source of value, and outputs assign the value of the transaction to a new address. In addition, transactions also contain scripts that verify the validity of the transaction.
What is the difference between SIGHASH_ALL and SIGHASH_NONE signature hash types?
SIGHASH_ALL signs the entire transaction, including all inputs and outputs, preventing any modification. SIGHASH_NONE only signs the transaction inputs, allowing the outputs to be modified.
Explain how to embed a value into a public key using elliptic curve cryptography (ECC).
First, the value to be embedded is hashed with a shared secret key. Then, the hash result is added to the private key to generate a new private key. Finally, a new public key is calculated using the new private key. The new public key has the value to be hidden embedded in it.
How is external logic executed on the blockchain?
The result of executing external logic can be expressed by modifying the output of a blockchain transaction. The input values of the external logic can be embedded in the public keys of the transaction inputs. The execution of the external logic is done outside the blockchain, such as by a separate controller.
What is an "intermediate transaction" and its role in the execution of external logic?
An intermediate transaction is a transaction used to store the input values of the external logic. The input values are embedded in the locking script of the output of the intermediate transaction so that the external logic controller can read them.
Describe the steps to implement an XOR logic gate using a blockchain.
First, the two input values are embedded in two public keys respectively. Then, two intermediate transactions are created, each with the two public keys as the locking script of the output. Next, create a new transaction that takes the outputs of the two intermediate transactions as inputs. Finally, modify the output address of the new transaction based on the result of the XOR operation of the two input values.
What is the role of the controller when implementing logic gates using blockchain?
The controller is responsible for reading the input values embedded in the public key, performing the logic operation, and modifying the output of the transaction based on the result of the operation.
Explain how to implement a NOT logic gate on a blockchain.
First, embed the input values into a public key. Then, create an intermediate transaction that uses the public key as a locking script for the output. Next, create a new transaction that takes the output of the intermediate transaction as input. Finally, modify the output address of the new transaction based on the result of the NOT operation of the input values.
Explain how blockchain can be used to automatically execute agreements in a "smart contract" scenario.
Smart contracts are self-executing agreements stored on a blockchain. The terms of the contract are written in code, and when the preset conditions are met, the code is automatically executed. The decentralized and tamper-proof nature of the blockchain ensures that the execution process of the contract is transparent and irreversible.
Discuss some potential advantages of using blockchain as a logic gate.
Using blockchain to implement logic gates can take advantage of the security, transparency, and tamper-proof properties of blockchain to ensure that the execution process of logic gates is trustworthy and traceable. In addition, the decentralized nature of blockchain can prevent single points of failure and improve the reliability of the system.
Essay Questions
Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of using blockchain to implement logic gates and using traditional electronic circuits to implement logic gates.
Explore how to use blockchain logic gates to build more complex systems, such as multi-input logic gates, combinational logic circuits, and sequential logic circuits.
Analyze the potential advantages and challenges of applying blockchain logic gates to the Internet of Things (IoT).
Design a solution to control physical access systems using blockchain logic gates and discuss its security and privacy.
Evaluate the feasibility and limitations of using blockchain logic gates to implement a secure voting system.