The 'Balance' You See Isn't Real: Account Model vs UTXO Model, How are On-Chain Assets Actually Recorded?

Compares Account Model vs UTXO, explaining the underlying logic of how on-chain assets are recorded.

{{{##anchor=preface}}} Preface Many newcomers assume the "100 USDT" in their wallet is a "balance" like a bank app. However, on-chain, there is no "balance"—only the result of accumulated transactions. Different chains record assets differently: some (like Ethereum) use the Account Model , while others (like Bitcoin) use the UTXO Model . Understanding these differences is key to knowing how assets are updated, confirmed, and protected. {{{##anchor=part-1.2}}} 1. There is No 'Balance' On-Chain, Only History Blockchains do not record "how much you have now"; they only record "how much you received/spent". Balance is just the sum of these records. Unlike a bank's modified database, a blockchain is "append-only," recording every transfer of value. {{{##anchor=part-1.3}}} 2. Account Model: The Choice of Ethereum, BSC, TRON, etc. Every address has an "Account State" containing: Balance. Nonce (random number). Contract code (if applicable). Storage content. Transferring is simply subtracting X from one address and adding X to another. {{{##anchor=part-1.3-账户模型的直观优点}}} Direct Advantages of the Account Model Intuitive: Simple addition and subtraction. Smart Contract Friendly: Contracts need