> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://the-waves.gitbook.io/thewaves/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://the-waves.gitbook.io/thewaves/metaverse/what-exactly-is-blockchain.md).

# What exactly is blockchain?

Blockchain is a technology that allows information to be stored and transmitted in a transparent, secure, and decentralized manner. It is comparable to a large database that contains the history of all interactions between its users since its inception. 

The blockchain can be used in three ways: to transfer assets (money, securities, shares, and so on), to improve asset and product traceability, and to automatically execute contracts (smart contracts). A blockchain can be thought of as a ledger that records all transactions.