Blockchain Learning Platform

Chapter 1: Introduction to Blockchain

Objective: Understand what blockchain technology is and its key components.

Content:

Definition of Blockchain: A blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions across many computers so that the record cannot be altered retroactively.
Key Components:
- Blocks: Containers that hold batches of transactions.
- Chains: A series of blocks linked together using cryptographic hashes.
- Nodes: Computers participating in the blockchain network, maintaining copies of the ledger.
- Decentralization: The distribution of the blockchain ledger across multiple nodes, eliminating the need for a central authority.

Practical Task: Research and write a blog post on the basic concepts of blockchain.

Objective: Learn about the origin and evolution of blockchain technology.

Content:

The History of Blockchain:
- Bitcoin: Introduced by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008. It was the first successful implementation of blockchain technology.
- Ethereum: Proposed by Vitalik Buterin in 2013 and launched in 2015, introducing smart contracts.
- Key Milestones and Developments:
  - 2008: Bitcoin whitepaper published.
  - 2009: Bitcoin network launched.
  - 2015: Ethereum network launched.
  - Subsequent advancements like DeFi, NFTs, and various blockchain forks and improvements.

Practical Task: Create a timeline of blockchain development and significant events.

Objective: Familiarize yourself with common blockchain terminology.

Content:

Glossary of Blockchain Terms:
- Hash: A function that converts input data into a fixed-size string of characters, which is typically a hash code.
- Mining: The process by which transactions are verified and added to the blockchain.
- Consensus: Agreement among distributed nodes on the state of the blockchain.
- Smart Contracts: Self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code.

Practical Task: Create a glossary of terms and provide examples.