This book explores the fundamentals and applications of Blockchain technology. Readers will learn about the decentralized peer-to-peer network, distributed ledger, and the trust model that defines Blockchain technology. They will also be introduced to the basic components of Blockchain (transaction, block, block header, and the chain), its operations (hashing, verification, validation, and consensus model), underlying algorithms, and essentials of trust (hard fork and soft fork). Private and public Blockchain networks similar to Bitcoin and Ethereum will be introduced, as will concepts of Smart Contracts, Proof of Work and Proof of Stack.
Blockchain is an emerging technology that can radically improve transaction security at banking, supply chain, and other transaction networks. It’s estimated that Blockchain will generate $3.1 trillion in new business value by 2030. Essentially, it provides the basis for a dynamic distributed ledger that can be applied to save time when recording transactions between parties, remove costs associated with intermediaries, and reduce risks of fraud and tampering.
1. Introduction to Blockchain
2. Consensus Protocols
3. Key Blockchain Use Cases
4. Important Topics in Blockchain
5. Decentralized Applications – Dapps
Biography
Professor Ahmed Banafa has extensive experience in research, operations and management, with a focus on IoT, Blockchain, Cybersecurity and AI. He is the recipient of the Certificate of Honor from the City and County of San Francisco and Author & Artist Award 2019 of San Jose State University. He was named as #1 tech voice to follow, technology fortune teller and influencer by LinkedIn in 2018, his research has featured on Forbes, IEEE and MIT Technology Review, and he has been interviewed by ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, BBC, NPR, Washington Post, and Fox. He is a member of the MIT Technology Review Global Panel.
Ahmed is the author of award-winning books, including Secure and Smart Internet of Things (IoT) using Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI) which won three awards including Best Technology Books of all Time, and One of the Best AI Models Books of All Time. His second book was Blockchain Technology and Applications won One of the Best New Private Blockchain Books and is used at Stanford University and other prestigious schools in the USA. He studied Electrical Engineering at Lehigh University, Cybersecurity at Harvard University and Digital Transformation at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
