Account-Based Models
Account-based models are a way of representing state in a blockchain where the system tracks the balance of individual accounts rather than tracking individual unspent transaction outputs. This is similar to a traditional bank account system where you query an account balance to determine how much value is available.
In this model, transactions are state transitions that debit one account and credit another. This structure is particularly well-suited for smart contract platforms because it allows for easy storage of complex contract code and state variables associated with specific addresses.
It simplifies the development of decentralized applications by providing a clear, stateful environment for developers. However, it requires more complex state management compared to models that track transaction outputs.