Block vs SHA-256

A block is a container of data in a blockchain that stores a batch of validated transactions, along with metadata like a timestamp and a reference to the previous block, forming an unbreakable chain of transaction history.

SHA-256 (Secure Hash Algorithm 256-bit) is the specific cryptographic hash function used by Bitcoin that converts any input data into a fixed 64-character hexadecimal output, providing the mathematical foundation for Bitcoin's security and mining process.