Mastering Blockchain: Inner workings of blockchain, from cryptography and decentralized identities, to DeFi, NFTs and Web3, 4th Edition

Book Synopsis: Demystify one of the most disruptive modern technologies and gain a deeper understanding of distributed ledgers, consensus protocols, smart contracts, DApps, cryptocurrencies, and more. Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free eBook in PDF format.

Key Features

• Study new blockchains, including Polkadot, Solana, and Avalanche blockchain, along with recent developments in security, scalability, and privacy
• Explore key cryptocurrencies and distributed ledgers such as Ethereum, Bitcoin, Hyperledger Fabric, Corda, and Quorum
• Get to grips with Solidity, Web3, NFTs, DeFi, and smart contract development

Book Description

Blockchain is the backbone of cryptocurrencies, it has had a massive impact in many sectors, including finance, supply chains, healthcare, government, and media. It's also being used for cutting edge technologies such as AI and IoT. This new edition is thoroughly revised to offer a practical approach to using Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric, and Corda with step-by-step tutorials and real-world use-cases to help you understand everything you need to know about blockchain development and implementation. With new chapters on Decentralized Finance and solving privacy, identity, and security issues, as well as bonus online content exploring alternative blockchains, this is an unmissable read for everyone who wants to gain a deep understanding of blockchain.

The book doesn't shy away from advanced topics and practical expertise, such as decentralized application (DApp) development using smart contracts and oracles, and emerging trends in the blockchain space. Throughout the book, you'll explore blockchain solutions beyond cryptocurrencies, such as the IoT with blockchain, enterprise blockchains, and tokenization, and gain insight into the future scope of this fascinating and disruptive technology.

By the end of this blockchain book, you will have gained a thorough comprehension of the various facets of blockchain and understand the potential of this technology in diverse real-world scenarios.

What you will learn

• Grasp the mechanisms behind Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies
• Understand cryptography and its usage in blockchain
• Become familiar with the theoretical foundations of smart contracts and blockchain consensus
• Develop DApps using Solidity, Remix, Truffle, and Ganache
• Solve issues relating to privacy, identity, scalability, and security in enterprise blockchains
• Dive into the architecture of Ethereum 2.0
• Delve into emerging trends like DeFi, NFTs, and Metaverse
• Explore various applications, research topics, and future directions of blockchain

Who this book is for

This book is for blockchain enthusiasts from all backgrounds, including software developers and programmers who want to learn how to build DApps, business executives and managers who want to explore the benefits and challenges of leveraging blockchain in different industries, and system architects and solution designers who want insight into blockchain architecture, consensus mechanisms, and security considerations. It is also a useful reference guide for blockchain development professionals who want to build fast and highly secure transactional applications. Basic knowledge in any programming language will come in handy.

Table of Contents

1. Blockchain 101
2. Decentralization
3. Symmetric Cryptography
4. Asymmetric Cryptography
5. Consensus Algorithms
6. Bitcoin Architecture
7. Bitcoin in Practice
8. Smart Contracts
9. Ethereum Architecture
10. Ethereum in Practice
11. (N.B. Please use the Look Inside option to see further chapters)

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