Imran Bashir

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 DescriptionBlockchain 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 forThis 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.

This book is your comprehensive guide to understanding Blockchain and Blockchain consensus algorithms. It covers distributed systems, distributed consensus, and relevant system models. And you'll explore how classical and modern consensus algorithms work. The book also covers quantum consensus and explains the role that quantum computing plays in distributed systems. Consensus protocols allow participants in distributed systems to agree on a common value, despite faults. It's a fundamentally important construct in distributed systems. As a result of rigorous and ground-breaking research over the last four decades, many consensus mechanisms have been developed and are used in the industry today. However, with the advent of Blockchain technology, a renewed interest has arisen in this area, resulting in more research and innovation. The first Blockchain, Bitcoin, was invented in 2008 and introduced a novel consensus protocol called Nakamoto consensus, a solution to the Byzantine General's problem formulated almost 30 years ago. Since the introduction of Bitcoin, the interest in Blockchain and consensus protocols has risen exponentially. As a result, researchers from academia and industry have proposed many new consensus mechanisms. While fundamental goals and some techniques remain the same as established classical protocols, these modern protocols introduce innovative methods to achieve consensus in Blockchain. Some classical algorithms have been modified to make them suitable for Blockchain and some new protocols have been developed. This book is a detailed account of classical distributed consensus and Blockchain consensus algorithms. It explains why and how cryptocurrencies and Blockchain remain secure and decentralized without depending on a trusted third party. In addition, you'll learn how Blockchain can endure, even with hundreds or thousands of participants, out of which some might be malicious. The book introduces quantum consensus, which deals with the problem of reaching agreement in quantum networks and how to enhance classical results. What You Will LearnUnderstand distributed systems, distributed consensus, and relevant system models and protocolsUnderstand Blockchain and Blockchain consensus algorithmsKnow how classical and modern consensus algorithms work Know the inner workings of Paxos, RAFT, PBFT, HotStuff, proof of work, proof of stake, GRANDPA, Casper, proof of history, and other consensus protocolsUnderstand quantum Byzantine agreement and quantum consensus Who This Book Is For Distributed systems and Blockchain students and researchers, Blockchain practitioners, architects, designers, product managers, and developersThis book targets many audiences as well as those with curious minds. It explains the classical consensus mechanisms, Blockchain age consensus protocols, and the latest developments in distributed consensus. The book does not assume any advanced knowledge of Blockchain or distributed systems, but a general understanding of computing and appreciation of Blockchain technology is helpful. Early chapters provide the necessary background to read and understanding consensus-related content quickly. Readers who already understand classical consensus protocols and distributed systems but want to learn about Blockchain consensus will find the book helpful as it covers Blockchain age protocols in detail. Readers who have come to the Blockchain world without any, or with little, background in distributed systems or classical consensus protocols will find this book equally helpful as it provides a solid understanding of classical consensus protocols. If you have no experience in Blockchain or don’t understand distributed computing in general, this book will give you a solid understanding of both subjects and enable you to conduct further research in this exciting area of distributed computing.

Develop a deeper understanding of what’s under the hood of blockchain with this technical reference guide on one of the most disruptive modern technologiesKey FeaturesUpdated with four new chapters on consensus algorithms, Ethereum 2.0, tokenization, and enterprise blockchainsLearn about key elements of blockchain theory such as decentralization, cryptography, and consensus protocolsGet to grips with Solidity, Web3, cryptocurrencies, smart contract development and solve scalability, security and privacy issuesDiscover the architecture of different distributed ledger platforms including Ethereum, Bitcoin, Hyperledger Fabric, Hyperledger Sawtooth, Corda and QuorumBook DescriptionBlockchain is the backbone of cryptocurrencies, with applications in finance, government, media, and other industries. With a legacy of providing technologists with executable insights, this new edition of Mastering Blockchain is thoroughly revised and updated to the latest blockchain research with four new chapters on consensus algorithms, Serenity (the update that will introduce Ethereum 2.0), tokenization, and enterprise blockchains. This book covers the basics, including blockchain’s technical underpinnings, cryptography and consensus protocols. It also provides you with expert knowledge on decentralization, decentralized application development on Ethereum, Bitcoin, alternative coins, smart contracts, alternative blockchains, and Hyperledger. Further, you will explore blockchain solutions beyond cryptocurrencies such as the Internet of Things with blockchain, enterprise blockchains, tokenization using blockchain, and consider the future scope of this fascinating and disruptive technology. By the end of this book, you will have gained a thorough comprehension of the various facets of blockchain and understand their potential in diverse real-world scenarios. What you will learnGrasp the mechanisms behind Bitcoin, Ethereum, and alternative cryptocurrenciesUnderstand cryptography and its usage in blockchainUnderstand the theoretical foundations of smart contractsDevelop decentralized applications using Solidity, Remix, Truffle, Ganache and DrizzleIdentify and examine applications of blockchain beyond cryptocurrenciesUnderstand the architecture and development of Ethereum 2.0Explore research topics and the future scope of blockchainWho this book is forIf you are a technologist, business executive, a student or an enthusiast who wishes to explore the fascinating world of blockchain technology, smart contracts, decentralized applications and distributed systems then this book is for you. Basic familiarity with a beginner-level command of a programming language would be a plus.

Explore distributed ledger technology, decentralization, and smart contracts and develop real-time decentralized applications with Ethereum and SolidityKey FeaturesGet to grips with the underlying technical principles and implementations of blockchainBuild powerful applications using Ethereum to secure transactions and create smart contractsGain advanced insights into cryptography and cryptocurrenciesBook DescriptionBlockchain technology is a distributed ledger with applications in industries such as finance, government, and media. This Learning Path is your guide to building blockchain networks using Ethereum, JavaScript, and Solidity. You will get started by understanding the technical foundations of blockchain technology, including distributed systems, cryptography and how this digital ledger keeps data secure. Further into the chapters, you’ll gain insights into developing applications using Ethereum and Hyperledger. As you build on your knowledge of Ether security, mining , smart contracts, and Solidity, you’ll learn how to create robust and secure applications that run exactly as programmed without being affected by fraud, censorship, or third-party interference. Toward the concluding chapters, you’ll explore how blockchain solutions can be implemented in applications such as IoT apps, in addition to its use in currencies. The Learning Path will also highlight how you can increase blockchain scalability and even discusses the future scope of this fascinating and powerful technology. By the end of this Learning Path, you'll be equipped with the skills you need to tackle pain points encountered in the blockchain life cycle and confidently design and deploy decentralized applications. This Learning Path includes content from the following Packt products:Mastering Blockchain - Second Edition by Imran BashirBuilding Blockchain Projects by Narayan PrustyWhat you will learnUnderstand why decentralized applications are importantDiscover the mechanisms behind bitcoin and alternative cryptocurrenciesMaster how cryptography is used to secure data with the help of examplesMaintain, monitor, and manage your blockchain solutionsCreate Ethereum walletsExplore research topics and the future scope of blockchain technologyWho this book is forThis Learning Path is designed for blockchain developers who want to build decentralized applications and smart contracts from scratch using Hyperledger. Basic familiarity with any programming language will be useful to get started with this Learning Path.

Publisher's Note: This edition from 2018 is outdated and does not cover the latest insights on consensus algorithms, Ethereum 2.0, tokenization, and enterprise blockchains. A new and updated edition of this book that includes all the newest developments and improvements in Blockchain including the above topics is now available. Learn about cryptography and cryptocurrencies, so you can build highly secure, decentralized applications and conduct trusted in-app transactions. Key FeaturesGet to grips with the underlying technical principles and implementations of blockchainBuild powerful applications using Ethereum to secure transactions and create smart contractsExplore cryptography, mine cryptocurrencies, and solve scalability issues with this comprehensive guideBook DescriptionA blockchain is a distributed ledger that is replicated across multiple nodes and enables immutable, transparent and cryptographically secure record-keeping of transactions. The blockchain technology is the backbone of cryptocurrencies, and it has applications in finance, government, media and almost all other industries. Mastering Blockchain, Second Edition has been thoroughly updated and revised to provide a detailed description of this leading technology and its implementation in the real world. This book begins with the technical foundations of blockchain technology, teaching you the fundamentals of distributed systems, cryptography and how it keeps data secure. You will learn about the mechanisms behind cryptocurrencies and how to develop applications using Ethereum, a decentralized virtual machine. You will also explore different other blockchain solutions and get an introduction to business blockchain frameworks under Hyperledger, a collaborative effort for the advancement of blockchain technologies hosted by the Linux Foundation. You will also be shown how to implement blockchain solutions beyond currencies, Internet of Things with blockchain, blockchain scalability, and the future scope of this fascinating and powerful technology. What you will learnMaster the theoretical and technical foundations of the blockchain technologyUnderstand the concept of decentralization, its impact, and its relationship with blockchain technologyMaster how cryptography is used to secure data - with practical examplesGrasp the inner workings of blockchain and the mechanisms behind bitcoin and alternative cryptocurrenciesUnderstand the theoretical foundations of smart contractsLearn how Ethereum blockchain works and how to develop decentralized applications using Solidity and relevant development frameworksIdentify and examine applications of the blockchain technology - beyond currenciesInvestigate alternative blockchain solutions including Hyperledger, Corda, and many moreWho this book is forThis book will appeal to those who wish to build fast, highly secure, transactional applications. It targets people who are familiar with the concept of blockchain and are comfortable with a programming language.

Distributed ledgers, decentralization and smart contracts explained About This Book • Get to grips with the underlying technical principles and implementations of blockchain. • Build powerful applications using Ethereum to secure transactions and create smart contracts. • Explore cryptography, mine cryptocurrencies, and solve scalability issues with this comprehensive guide. Who This Book Is For This book appeals to those who wish to build fast, highly secure, transactional applications. This book is for those who are familiar with the concept of blockchain and are comfortable with a programming language. What You Will Learn • Master the theoretical and technical foundations of blockchain technology • Fully comprehend the concept of decentralization, its impact and relationship with blockchain technology • Experience how cryptography is used to secure data with practical examples • Grasp the inner workings of blockchain and relevant mechanisms behind Bitcoin and alternative cryptocurrencies • Understand theoretical foundations of smart contracts • Identify and examine applications of blockchain technology outside of currencies • Investigate alternate blockchain solutions including Hyperledger, Corda, and many more • Explore research topics and future scope of blockchain technology In Detail Blockchain is a distributed database that enables permanent, transparent, and secure storage of data. The blockchain technology is the backbone of cryptocurrency – in fact, it's the shared public ledger upon which the entire Bitcoin network relies – and it's gaining popularity with people who work in finance, government, and the arts. Blockhchain technology uses cryptography to keep data secure. This book gives a detailed description of this leading technology and its implementation in the real world. This book begins with the technical foundations of blockchain, teaching you the fundamentals of cryptography and how it keeps data secure. You will learn about the mechanisms behind cryptocurrencies and how to develop applications using Ethereum, a decentralized virtual machine. You will explore different blockchain solutions and get an exclusive preview into Hyperledger, an upcoming blockchain solution from IBM and the Linux Foundation. You will also be shown how to implement blockchain beyond currencies, scability with blockchain, and the future scope of this fascinating and powerful technology. Style and approach This comprehensive guide allows you to build smart blockchain applications and explore the power of this database. The book will let you quickly brush up on the basics of the blockchain database, followed by advanced implementations of blockchain in currency, smart contracts, decentralization, and so on.

The rise of object-oriented (00) software development seems to have helped improve software quality, but it has not, of course, eliminated all possibility of error. Thus, software testing is at least as important today as it ever has been. Testing, as a centerpiece of quality assurance efforts, only increases in value as society becomes more and more reliant on software. Testing 00 components and even 00 systems is not very difficult once you know how to do it. But until now there have been few accounts of how to do it well and none that adequately characterize testing across the life cycle of large 00 software production efforts. This book combines insights from research on 00 testing with insights from industrial testing efforts to produce an account that should be valuable to anyone interested in the theory and practice of testing 00 software. This book provides extensive coverage of testing methods applicable to 00 software development, as well as discussions of underlying concepts and technical underpinnings that enable you to devise additional techniques of your own. It is unlikely that you will apply every test, process, review criterion, or metric described in this book to your software project. If you have a small project, it is unlikely that you will apply more than a few of them. But the breadth of coverage allows you to select and customize them with full knowledge of the alternatives and of the options available if you need to extend testing efforts.

The rise of object-oriented (00) software development seems to have helped improve software quality, but it has not, of course, eliminated all possibility of error. Thus, software testing is at least as important today as it ever has been. Testing, as a centerpiece of quality assurance efforts, only increases in value as society becomes more and more reliant on software. Testing 00 components and even 00 systems is not very difficult once you know how to do it. But until now there have been few accounts of how to do it well and none that adequately characterize testing across the life cycle of large 00 software production efforts. This book combines insights from research on 00 testing with insights from industrial testing efforts to produce an account that should be valuable to anyone interested in the theory and practice of testing 00 software. This book provides extensive coverage of testing methods applicable to 00 software development, as well as discussions of underlying concepts and technical underpinnings that enable you to devise additional techniques of your own. It is unlikely that you will apply every test, process, review criterion, or metric described in this book to your software project. If you have a small project, it is unlikely that you will apply more than a few of them. But the breadth of coverage allows you to select and customize them with full knowledge of the alternatives and of the options available if you need to extend testing efforts.