Blockchain Essentials You Always Wanted To Know

1. Chain of Blocks!

1.1 Definition
1.2 History of Blockchain
1.3 Use Cases of Blockchain
1.4 What Made Blockchain So Popular?
1.5 Web3
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Chapter Summary


2. Going Deeper into Blockchain

2.1 Basics of Cryptography
2.2 Digital Signature, Private, and Public Keys
2.3 Merkle Tree
2.4 Working of Merkle Trees
2.5 Benefits of Merkle Trees in Blockchain
2.6 Wallet, Transaction, and Block of Transactions
2.7 Transactions in Blockchain
2.8 Mining – Get the Axe!
2.9 Nodes
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Chapter Summary


3. Blockchain Types

3.1 Peer-to-Peer (P2P)
3.2 Centralized vs P2P Architectures
3.3 Types of Blockchain
3.4 PoW, PoS and PBFT
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Chapter Summary


4. Cryptocurrency

4.1 What is Cryptocurrency
4.2 Differences between Fiat and Crypto
4.3 Bitcoin, Altcoins, and Fiat Money
4.4 Popular Cryptocurrencies Right Now
4.5 Tokens
4.6 Types of Cryptocurrencies
4.7 Send and Receive
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Chapter Summary


5. Potentials of Blockchain

5.1 Using the blockchain
5.2 Ganache
5.3 Truffle
5.4 How to Write Your Own Smart Contract
5.5 ICO, ITO, and Crowd sale
5.6 Solidity
5.7 Smart Contracts – The Way it Should Be
5.8 Account types
5.9 Digital Assets
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Chapter Summary


6. Implementing Blockchain Projects

6.1 Project Planning and Feasibility
6.2 Choosing the Right Blockchain Platform
6.3 Integrating Blockchain with Existing Systems
6.4 Testing and Deployment
6.5 Case Studies of Successful Blockchain Implementations
6.6 Hyperledger
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Chapter Summary


7. The Future of Blockchain

7.1 Decentralized World, Distributed Government, and Multilevel Networks
7.2 The Dangers of Blockchain
7.3 Leveraging blockchain
7.4 What’s next for blockchain?
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Chapter Summary

Dr. Abhilash Kancharla is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Computer Science department at The University of Tampa, teaching undergraduate-level courses.

Vibrant Publishers is focused on presenting the best texts for learning about technology and business as well as books for test preparation. Categories include programming, operating systems and other texts focused on IT. In addition, a series of books helps professionals in their own disciplines learn the business skills needed in their professional growth.

Vibrant Publishers has a standardized test preparation series covering the GMAT, GRE and SAT, providing ample study and practice material in a simple and well organized format, helping students get closer to their dream universities.

The Self-Learning Management Series is designed to help students, new managers, career switchers, and entrepreneurs learn essential management lessons and covers every aspect of business, from HR to Finance to Marketing to Operations across any and every industry. Each book includes basic fundamentals, important concepts, and standard and well-known principles as well as practical ways of application of the subject matter.

As a blockchain expert, I am thoroughly impressed by the remarkable depth and accessibility of this book. Tailored for graduates and professionals in both tech and management, it strikes the perfect balance between being highly informative and exceptionally easy to understand.

The book’s organization, from foundational concepts in “Chain of Blocks!” to the forward-thinking discussions in “The Future of Blockchain”, ensures a comprehensive learning journey. Complex topics like cryptography, smart contracts, and blockchain integration are broken down in an approachable manner, making them accessible even to those new to the field. Yet, the advanced discussions on Hyperledger, decentralized networks, and case studies ensure that even seasoned professionals will gain invaluable insights.

What truly stands out is the book's practical approach. The chapters on tools like Truffle and Ganache, as well as hands-on guidance for writing smart contracts, provide real-world applicability. The inclusion of quizzes and chapter summaries further reinforces learning, making this an ideal resource for academic, professional, or personal development.

Whether you are a technologist looking to deepen your understanding, a manager seeking to implement blockchain solutions, or a student stepping into this exciting field, this book is a must-have. I highly recommend it for its clarity, thoroughness, and vision.
-- Melissa Amouny, Blockchain and DeFi Specialist, Researcher & Consultant

It’s an excellent resource for someone who is going to start their career in Blockchain and wants to have insights on this emerging technology. It’s a critical and complex topic, unlike any other technology stack out there in the marketplace.

It’s going to be a good start for the new generation who can quickly grasp the concepts, and for enthusiasts to learn and build smart contracts and consensus mechanisms. Next, it is very much suitable for Entrepreneurs and Business users who are exploring blockchain applications in different industry verticals (Financial Services, Supply Chain, and Healthcare).

The author provided an in-depth understanding of practical use cases of blockchain, like:

Financial Services: Provided insights on the role of blockchain in cryptocurrency, cryptography, and decentralized finance with examples.

Supply Chain: Explained how blockchain enhances transparency and traceability in retail and manufacturing industries.

Healthcare: Explained the role of blockchain in securing patients’ data and interoperability between healthcare providers, along with enhancing auto claim processing.

Additionally, I liked the chapter summaries followed by quizzes; it keeps readers more engaged.
-- VIshwanath Gotri,
Lead Engineer at Deutsche Bank

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