Account Model
Also known as: Ethereum Account Model, Balance-based Model
The account model is a blockchain data structure that tracks balances by accounts rather than unspent outputs.
The account model is used in blockchains like Ethereum to manage balances and state. Each user has an account that contains information such as balance, nonce, and smart contract code (if applicable). When a transaction occurs, the sender's account balance decreases and the recipient's increases accordingly. This model contrasts with Bitcoin’s UTXO model, where transactions consume and create unspent outputs. The account model simplifies interactions with smart contracts and makes state transitions easier to handle within virtual machines.