ABSTRACT

This book covers blockchain from the underlying principles to how it enables applications to survive and surf on its shoulder. Having covered the fundamentals of blockchain, the book turns to cryptocurrency. It thoroughly examines Bitcoin before presenting six other major currencies in a rounded discussion. The book then bridges between technology and finance, concentrating on how blockchain-based applications, including cryptocurrencies, have pushed hard against mainstream industries in a bid to cement their positions permanent. It discusses blockchain as underlying banking technology, crypto mining and offering, cryptocurrency as investment instruments, crypto regulations, and markets.

part I|1 pages

Blockchain and Bitcoin

chapter Chapter 1|24 pages

Introduction to Blockchain

chapter Chapter 2|22 pages

Immutability of Blockchain

chapter Chapter 3|12 pages

Consensus Mechanisms of Blockchain

chapter Chapter 4|29 pages

Bitcoin: World’s First Cryptocurrency

part II|1 pages

Smart Contracts

chapter Chapter 5|16 pages

Ethereum and Smart Contracts

chapter Chapter 6|8 pages

Neo

chapter Chapter 7|8 pages

Eos

part III|1 pages

Financial Networks

chapter Chapter 8|16 pages

Ripple

chapter Chapter 9|11 pages

Stellar

part IV|1 pages

Advanced Ledgers and Applications

chapter Chapter 10|19 pages

Purpose-Built Distributed Ledgers

chapter Chapter 11|22 pages

Applications of Blockchain

part V|1 pages

Cryptocurrency

chapter Chapter 12|17 pages

Evolution of Money: From Barter to Bitcoin

chapter Chapter 13|13 pages

Cryptocurrency Mining

chapter Chapter 14|15 pages

Cryptocurrency Wallet

chapter Chapter 15|18 pages

Cryptocurrency Trading and Investment

chapter Chapter 16|12 pages

Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs)

part VI|1 pages

Socio-Economic Landscape

chapter Chapter 17|13 pages

Economic Outlook of Cryptocurrency

chapter Chapter 18|22 pages

Crime, Criminals and Cryptocurrencies

chapter Chapter 19|12 pages

Regulations, Laws and Practices

chapter Chapter 20|16 pages

Criticism, Scepticism and Support