Blockchain technology allows for transparent and secure transactions without an intermediary. It has various applications including financial services, smart contracts, IoT, and more. Key benefits are security, transparency, low costs, and reduced time. Blockchain functions by recording transactions in blocks that are linked using cryptography. Programming languages like Java and frameworks like Ethereum and Hyperledger can be used to develop blockchain applications. Databases can also integrate blockchain features to provide a scalable solution for deploying blockchain proofs-of-concept, platforms and applications.