UTXO

What is Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO)?

An Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) is a fundamental component of the Bitcoin blockchain. It represents a unit of cryptocurrency that has been received in a transaction but has not yet been spent. In simple terms, it's like the change you get after making a purchase, it's still yours, just waiting to be used in a future transaction.

What UTXO Means in the Crypto Context 

In the world of cryptocurrencies, UTXOs are crucial because they track the ownership and transfer of digital assets. When you send or receive Bitcoin, what you're really doing is transferring these unspent outputs. The total balance in your wallet is essentially the sum of all the UTXOs you control.

How to use the term 

You might hear someone say, "The UTXO set in Bitcoin is growing," meaning there are more unspent transaction outputs on the blockchain, which can indicate increased activity. Understanding UTXOs is key to grasping how transactions are processed and verified in Bitcoin and similar cryptocurrencies.

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