Blockchain applications revolve around the principle of decentralization. Decentralization is achieved with the help of equally responsible nodes that are connected to form a peer-to-peer network. It’s essential for most of the blockchain nodes (if not all) to exhibit similar functionality to achieve a purely decentralized network. This can be a challenging task because there is no authority in the public network to enforce rigid rules on the functionality of nodes. Many blockchain networks are being forced to centralize to improve the performance or integrate with the existing centralized entities. This exposes decentralized systems to potential issues that are already faced by existing centralized systems. We’ll discuss some of the entities that have caused centralization and exposed decentralized networks to some of the potential threats...
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Foundations of Blockchain
By :
Foundations of Blockchain
By:
Overview of this book
Blockchain technology is a combination of three popular concepts: cryptography, peer-to-peer networking, and game theory. This book is for anyone who wants to dive into blockchain from first principles and learn how decentralized applications and cryptocurrencies really work.
This book begins with an overview of blockchain technology, including key definitions, its purposes and characteristics, so you can assess the full potential of blockchain. All essential aspects of cryptography are then presented, as the backbone of blockchain. For readers who want to study the underlying algorithms of blockchain, you’ll see Python implementations throughout.
You’ll then learn how blockchain architecture can create decentralized applications. You’ll see how blockchain achieves decentralization through peer-to-peer networking, and how a simple blockchain can be built in a P2P network. You’ll learn how these elements can implement a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, and the wider applications of blockchain work through smart contracts. Blockchain optimization techniques, and blockchain security strategies are then presented. To complete this foundation, we consider blockchain applications in the financial and non-financial sectors, and also analyze the future of blockchain. A study of blockchain use cases includes supply chains, payment systems, crowdfunding, and DAOs, which rounds out your foundation in blockchain technology.
Table of Contents (14 chapters)
Preface
Free Chapter
Introduction
A Bit of Cryptography
Cryptography in Blockchain
Networking in Blockchain
Cryptocurrency
Diving into Blockchain - Proof of Existence
Diving into Blockchain - Proof of Ownership
Blockchain Projects
Blockchain Optimizations and Enhancements
Blockchain Security
When Shouldn't We Use Blockchain?
Blockchain Use Cases
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