Hash Trees
A Hash Tree, also known as a Merkle Tree, is a data structure used in computer science to efficiently and securely verify the integrity of data. It organizes data into a binary tree format, where each leaf node represents a data block, and each non-leaf node contains a hash of its child nodes. This structure allows for quick verification of large datasets by checking only a few hashes instead of the entire dataset.
Hash Trees are commonly used in various applications, including blockchain technology and peer-to-peer networks. They enhance data integrity and reduce the amount of data needed for verification, making them essential for systems like Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, where secure and efficient data handling is crucial.