In the blockchain world, block height refers to the total number of blocks that have been added to a blockchain, starting from the first block known as the genesis block. Block height is an indicator that shows the position or order of a particular block in the blockchain chain. Each time a new block is created and added to the chain, the block height number increases by one. Block height doesn't just reflect the number of blocks that have been mined or validated, it also reflects the historical development of a blockchain. For example, if a block has a block height of 100, this means that there are 100 previous blocks in the chain, starting from the genesis block with a height of 0. As the backbone of blockchain architecture, block height ensures that each block is arranged in a secure and organized chronological order. These blocks are interconnected by cryptographic techniques, creating a structure known as a chain. This makes blockchain a manipulation-resistant data storage system, where each block supports the validity of the other block's data.

Block height has an important function in maintaining the integrity and validity of data on a blockchain network. In networks like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Cardano, block height is used as the main reference for tracking transactions, ensuring inter-node data consistency, and recording overall network development. For example, in the Bitcoin network, block height is often used to track when a block is mined and the transactions within it are confirmed. In Ethereum, block height helps users and developers track when a smart contract was executed. In addition, block height is also relevant in measuring network activity, for example by looking at how quickly new blocks are added, reflecting the level of mining or validation activity on the blockchain. With its vital functions, block height is not only a technical indicator, but also serves as a historical marker that records the journey and evolution of a blockchain since its inception.