> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/wiki/blocks-and-the-blockchain/blockchain/merkle-proof.md). # Merkle proof A Merkle proof is the act of verifying an element exists within a set summarised by the Merkle root. The data element is hashed to create its leaf node value, and then hashed with a provided set of the adjunct node values along the Merkle path back to the root. If the same Merkle root is created as has been published previous, then it stands that the data element is be guaranteed to come from the same index in the same data set as in the earlier published instance. For more information on the Standardised format for a Merkle proof see the published standard (BRC-10) here: --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/wiki/blocks-and-the-blockchain/blockchain/merkle-proof.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.