Ledger

A physical or digital page-type document for tracking and recording financial transactions.

Ledger is an accounting term that refers to a page-type document that is used to record, track, and manage financial transactions. Traditionally, a ledger is in the form of a book where transactions are meticulously recorded. However, with the computer age came digital ledgers which are in the form of computer files. The latter format is safer, cheaper, and more easily modified on multiple criteria. Moreover, it is far easier to track transactions recorded on computer files than on paper.

The blockchain revolution was initiated on the idea of a digital and distributed ledger. However, the use of the distributed ledger technology (DLT) significantly boosts the functions of a blockchain, rendering it far more useful and versatile compared to an ordinary record-keeping computer file.