What is a record?

A record in the context of blockchain technology is similar to an entry in a digital ledger. Unlike tokens, which often represent assets and carry inherent value (much like shares or digital currency), records are simply records of information. They are used for storing data on the blockchain in a secure and immutable way, but they do not signify ownership or value like tokens do.

Records are particularly useful when there's a need to record data on the blockchain without attaching monetary value to it. This might include transaction histories, application states, or other types of information that benefit from the blockchain's tamper-resistant nature. Since records don't represent assets, they're generally less complex and more cost-effective to create compared to tokens.

This lower cost and simplicity make records an ideal choice for situations where the primary goal is to maintain a transparent, unalterable record of data rather than trade or manage assets. They leverage the blockchain's inherent strengths – security, transparency, and permanence – without the additional layers of functionality and value assignment that come with tokens.