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Blockchain Technology Explained: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide About Blockchain Wallet, Mining, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Zcash, Monero, Ripple, Dash, IOTA And Smart Contracts
Instead of talking about investing, this book will focus on how blockchain technology works and how it might be used in the future. Topics you can expect to see in this book include:
● What problem does blockchain solve?
● How can technology make our institutions faster and less expensive?
● Could technology replace our institutions (like governments, banks, etc) altogether?
● How does blockchain build trust between strangers?
● How does blockchain increase security for transactions and contracts?
● Can blockchain be used outside of finance?
● What is a block?
● What is the chain and why do we need it?
● What’s a technical explanation of what happens in the blockchain?
● What is mining and why do we need it?
● Are there alternatives to mining to create a blockchain?
● What’s the story of Bitcoin?
● Does Bitcoin have any problems?
● What is Ethereum, and what is a smart contract?
● Are there other blockchain technologies I should know about?
● How are companies adopting blockchain?
● What regulatory hurdles might slow blockchain adoption?
Whew, that’s a lot of questions. If you’re ready to tackle them, I’m ready
● What problem does blockchain solve?
● How can technology make our institutions faster and less expensive?
● Could technology replace our institutions (like governments, banks, etc) altogether?
● How does blockchain build trust between strangers?
● How does blockchain increase security for transactions and contracts?
● Can blockchain be used outside of finance?
● What is a block?
● What is the chain and why do we need it?
● What’s a technical explanation of what happens in the blockchain?
● What is mining and why do we need it?
● Are there alternatives to mining to create a blockchain?
● What’s the story of Bitcoin?
● Does Bitcoin have any problems?
● What is Ethereum, and what is a smart contract?
● Are there other blockchain technologies I should know about?
● How are companies adopting blockchain?
● What regulatory hurdles might slow blockchain adoption?
Whew, that’s a lot of questions. If you’re ready to tackle them, I’m ready
126 pages, Paperback
Published December 11, 2017
946 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 1, 2019
Introduction to blockchain technology
This book is a very good introduction for non-technical details about the revolutionary blockchain technology. It explains in a logical flow the basic ideas about how this technology works and gives always a good examples in a simplified manner.
And at the end it introduces the most wide spreading application of this technology which are mostly crytocurrecncy projects like bitcoin and cash coin.. etc.
I recommend reading it for an introduction to this new world.
This book is a very good introduction for non-technical details about the revolutionary blockchain technology. It explains in a logical flow the basic ideas about how this technology works and gives always a good examples in a simplified manner.
And at the end it introduces the most wide spreading application of this technology which are mostly crytocurrecncy projects like bitcoin and cash coin.. etc.
I recommend reading it for an introduction to this new world.
August 4, 2018
This is a self-published book and looks it, with strange spacing, sometimes odd grammar, poor copy editing, and a rather wooden style. So why in the world would I rate it so highly? Well, because it is, in fact, precisely what it says it is. This is a no-frills explanation of what blockchain technology is all about and how it relates to many topics, cryptocurrency, to be sure, but also the many other uses to which this fascinating technology can put. I am a rank amateur (and if you asked me to tell you the actual coding behind blockchain, I wouldn't even know where to begin). But the theory fascinates me and I admire many of the non-currency applications. Journalism in particular could benefit from both the decentralized authority implied by blockchain and the ability to have verifiable, uncensorable stories where they cannot be touched.
I found some of Norman's enthusiasm for the potential of blockchain to be a bit naive, however. I understand how voting, for instance, could someday be made more verifiable through this technology, but the idea that entrenched powers are suddenly going to be overthrown and the voting process ceded to technocrats and miners is a bit far-fetched. At one point he writes, "True popular democracy would permanently change the way government functions, giving control of laws and policies to the population". Well, yes, perhaps, but blockchain cannot magically bring this about. The world is a bit more complicated than that.
I also find questionable his enthusiasm for increased productivity and less need for government magically coming to pass through the use of blockchain. I find it particularly amusing that these technological freedom fighters are one of the major consumers of electricity in the world, a utility the infrastructure of which is paid for and maintained largely through tax dollars.
Still, the muddy philosophical musings aside, when Norman sticks to the facts of what this technology does and how it goes about it, it is fascinating, clear, and understandable. No small feat with something this complex and multifaceted. Well worth a read, if you go in for this sort of thing.
I found some of Norman's enthusiasm for the potential of blockchain to be a bit naive, however. I understand how voting, for instance, could someday be made more verifiable through this technology, but the idea that entrenched powers are suddenly going to be overthrown and the voting process ceded to technocrats and miners is a bit far-fetched. At one point he writes, "True popular democracy would permanently change the way government functions, giving control of laws and policies to the population". Well, yes, perhaps, but blockchain cannot magically bring this about. The world is a bit more complicated than that.
I also find questionable his enthusiasm for increased productivity and less need for government magically coming to pass through the use of blockchain. I find it particularly amusing that these technological freedom fighters are one of the major consumers of electricity in the world, a utility the infrastructure of which is paid for and maintained largely through tax dollars.
Still, the muddy philosophical musings aside, when Norman sticks to the facts of what this technology does and how it goes about it, it is fascinating, clear, and understandable. No small feat with something this complex and multifaceted. Well worth a read, if you go in for this sort of thing.
June 6, 2021
Great primer for blockchain.
June 27, 2020
Good, concise read. The author is extremely on point and covers a lot of Blockchain concepts is a single, small book.
A shame the Bitcoin halving concept isn't covered at all (even if there's a Bitcoin history chapter) and there's not a lot of detail on why there is a limitation of Block sizes that ultimately originates the known scalability issues.
Really enjoyed the tech/geek chapter around cryptography (hashing and how it is done)
A shame the Bitcoin halving concept isn't covered at all (even if there's a Bitcoin history chapter) and there's not a lot of detail on why there is a limitation of Block sizes that ultimately originates the known scalability issues.
Really enjoyed the tech/geek chapter around cryptography (hashing and how it is done)
March 6, 2018
If it's exactly what I expected from the title. Perfection
September 22, 2018
A Good Overview
Norman's book provides a concise view of the history, current status and future potential of blockchain technology. Until recently I ignored this technology because I thought it was useful only for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. And I thought Bitcoin was the domain of financial speculators, tax dodgers, drug dealers and money laundrers. But these decentralized and encrypted ledgers may eventually revolutionize a wide range of applications and become as important as the Internet is today. In addition to banking, possible blockchain applications include product distribution, voting and "the Internet of things". This book provides a lot of bang for the buck (the Kindle version from Amazon cost me only 99 cents). I would have given it five stars if it had included a more understandable theoretical description of the technology. But Norman chose to describe only the mining procedure for Bitcoin (which was deliberately made tedious to limit the number of bitcoins in circulation).
Norman's book provides a concise view of the history, current status and future potential of blockchain technology. Until recently I ignored this technology because I thought it was useful only for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. And I thought Bitcoin was the domain of financial speculators, tax dodgers, drug dealers and money laundrers. But these decentralized and encrypted ledgers may eventually revolutionize a wide range of applications and become as important as the Internet is today. In addition to banking, possible blockchain applications include product distribution, voting and "the Internet of things". This book provides a lot of bang for the buck (the Kindle version from Amazon cost me only 99 cents). I would have given it five stars if it had included a more understandable theoretical description of the technology. But Norman chose to describe only the mining procedure for Bitcoin (which was deliberately made tedious to limit the number of bitcoins in circulation).
April 28, 2018
واخيرا بلشنا نفهم كم شغلة
December 25, 2020
Read this for some basic knowledge on new emerging technologies
July 9, 2018
This book is an easy-to-read introduction to all things blockchain (bitcoin, blockchain technology, crypto mining, ethereum, smart contracts, possible applications, challenges/constraints of the blockchain/crypto currencies, etc). I recommend this reading as the book is only $2.99 on kindle on Amazon.com and gives nice intro to a technology that could have huge implications to everything from real estate to law and accounting practices. Author gives window of 5-10 years for disruptive impacts to become more apparent / reality. Author also fairly points out that, while none of the existing crypto technologies may persist in future, the blockchain concept will for sure have drastic implications. Highly recommended reading for a quick overview into blockchain and crypto space; much better to read this than watch/listen/read countless presentations, YouTube videos, blog posts, or podcasts that may repeat some info, but not give good overall view.
November 26, 2018
If you are one of those people who missed the train to educating yourself about the fundamentals of blockchain technology because of the complex cryptography and sophisticated mathematics that intimidated you, look no further. This book helped me demystify blockchain that not only powers cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc., that is constantly talked about on TV but also has a potential to change the way we do business in the future.
I strongly recommend this book to every one of you. Even the technical details can be daunting at first for non technical readers, one would still get a good understanding of the principles of one of the biggest and game changing designs proposed in this century to rearchitect our systems of present from ground up for a better tomorrow.
read more at, https://triptreasures.wordpress.com/2...
I strongly recommend this book to every one of you. Even the technical details can be daunting at first for non technical readers, one would still get a good understanding of the principles of one of the biggest and game changing designs proposed in this century to rearchitect our systems of present from ground up for a better tomorrow.
read more at, https://triptreasures.wordpress.com/2...
January 18, 2021
So, this book has a couple good things going for it. It's easy to read given the subject material, it definitely knows what the various cryptocurrencies are, and doesn't require mathematical expertise to understand the essential principles within this book.
However, I found this book somewhat lacking in terms of organizational structure. There were entire chapters just detailing various cryptocurrencies and their comparative features/strengths and weaknesses. I'm not really sure how elucidating that was, and led to a fair amount of bloat.
I also think this book should probably delve more into how blockchain conceptually works, and maybe provide a sketch about what a blockchain-full future would look like.
However, I found this book somewhat lacking in terms of organizational structure. There were entire chapters just detailing various cryptocurrencies and their comparative features/strengths and weaknesses. I'm not really sure how elucidating that was, and led to a fair amount of bloat.
I also think this book should probably delve more into how blockchain conceptually works, and maybe provide a sketch about what a blockchain-full future would look like.
March 18, 2018
This book provides a short and simple introduction to Blockchain. This book balances the things we read and see from around the web on this topic because it discusses the positive side and also the current challenges of the technology - this is important because if you only read about this topic in the wild internet, most of what you see are overly harping on theoretical possibilities without mentioning the current issues the blockchain community is facing. On the other hand, it also talks about how to make adjustments to the current problems so that it truly becomes a practical technology to use in the near future.
April 17, 2019
Quick, concise, highly informative
A great little read for anyone wanting to better understand the relatively new technology. I've done some of my own research online, but wanted to jumping into something more technical and detailed and I'm so glad I found this book. Very easy to read and highly comprehensive. I loved the sections on the cryptography and algorithms behind the blockchain. If your looking for a cryptocurrency investment book this isn't it, but the author says he has written one of those as well and considering the way he writes I'm assuming it would be a good read too. He get information across in a very smooth way.
A great little read for anyone wanting to better understand the relatively new technology. I've done some of my own research online, but wanted to jumping into something more technical and detailed and I'm so glad I found this book. Very easy to read and highly comprehensive. I loved the sections on the cryptography and algorithms behind the blockchain. If your looking for a cryptocurrency investment book this isn't it, but the author says he has written one of those as well and considering the way he writes I'm assuming it would be a good read too. He get information across in a very smooth way.
January 12, 2018
Excellent work for people who want a basic understanding of blockchain technology
This explanation of blockchain technology is very good and I highly recommend it to people who are new to this technology and want a basic understanding. There is little in this book for people who already understand blockchain technology well. The author loves this technology but I think he underestimates the disruptive power of blockchains.
This explanation of blockchain technology is very good and I highly recommend it to people who are new to this technology and want a basic understanding. There is little in this book for people who already understand blockchain technology well. The author loves this technology but I think he underestimates the disruptive power of blockchains.
February 6, 2018
A good introduction, and helpful to someone with limited to no knowledge of what blockchain is or why it is so beneficial. However, it doesn't necessarily grapple the emerging problems that are more difficult to understand, or the underlying politics behind the various coins (topics more interesting for someone with more knowledge of the field that wants an academic take on different avenues of where the technology may take us).
June 1, 2018
An introduction to a complex subject
Everyone has heard of blockchain but few people know what it is. When you read this book, you will know enough to have an idea of what blockchains are, what they can be used for, and what 'mining' is. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to know about the subject, as blockchains are going to be in just about everything in the very near future.
Everyone has heard of blockchain but few people know what it is. When you read this book, you will know enough to have an idea of what blockchains are, what they can be used for, and what 'mining' is. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to know about the subject, as blockchains are going to be in just about everything in the very near future.
September 5, 2018
Not bad but not great.
The description of how blockchain works was pretty good, but a lot of leaps are required to see how it will be used in practice. A lot like the early internet, it took a while before people could see why it was important and how it could be useful. Like the internet, each upside has many unintended, and often negative, consequences. I’ll keep reading. This seems like a topic that is worth understanding
The description of how blockchain works was pretty good, but a lot of leaps are required to see how it will be used in practice. A lot like the early internet, it took a while before people could see why it was important and how it could be useful. Like the internet, each upside has many unintended, and often negative, consequences. I’ll keep reading. This seems like a topic that is worth understanding
February 5, 2020
Good basic summary
This was a clear outline of the basics of block chain. Non-technical except for a few basic details on hashing and a great outline of the basics of bit coin mining. Sane and sober estimates and projections of the future. Benefits and problems. You’re going to need to learn a lot more but this is a great place to start
This was a clear outline of the basics of block chain. Non-technical except for a few basic details on hashing and a great outline of the basics of bit coin mining. Sane and sober estimates and projections of the future. Benefits and problems. You’re going to need to learn a lot more but this is a great place to start
August 28, 2020
Good non technical guide to core concept of blockchain
Worth reading as a base book to under the fundamental concept. Details of non currency applications are not there in this book. They are just briefly mentioned. Also the major cryptos are explained in terms of how they differ and what they offer.
Worth reading as a base book to under the fundamental concept. Details of non currency applications are not there in this book. They are just briefly mentioned. Also the major cryptos are explained in terms of how they differ and what they offer.
June 13, 2024
An outline understanding on Blockchain Technology
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed: 04-12-21
This is a short book about Blockchain Technology and did a good job of giving me a glimpse into how this technology works, where it is being used in a snapshot. It feels interesting and hope to to understand cryptography a bit more someday.
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed: 04-12-21
This is a short book about Blockchain Technology and did a good job of giving me a glimpse into how this technology works, where it is being used in a snapshot. It feels interesting and hope to to understand cryptography a bit more someday.
December 16, 2017
For the beginners mind like mine.
This was a great intro into the realm of crypto currencies! As much as I wish the explanations to have been given in greater depth, what was given is equal to the dollar value of this book.
This was a great intro into the realm of crypto currencies! As much as I wish the explanations to have been given in greater depth, what was given is equal to the dollar value of this book.
January 10, 2018
Matches expectation
This is overall guide to the technology underlying Blockchain a with a specific examples of its implementation and explanation. Suits all audiences, deep technical skills are not required. Recommended.
This is overall guide to the technology underlying Blockchain a with a specific examples of its implementation and explanation. Suits all audiences, deep technical skills are not required. Recommended.
February 9, 2018
Great book!
Gives a very good idea about the basic concept and working. Explained in very simple terms so that everybody can get a reasonable understanding of this technology which has a huge potential!!
Gives a very good idea about the basic concept and working. Explained in very simple terms so that everybody can get a reasonable understanding of this technology which has a huge potential!!
March 26, 2018
Easy reading
I enjoyed reading this book. It makes difficult concept easily understandable. One suggestion is Alan could consider expanding this book, a huge subject like this, 127 pages certainly do not enough.
I enjoyed reading this book. It makes difficult concept easily understandable. One suggestion is Alan could consider expanding this book, a huge subject like this, 127 pages certainly do not enough.
April 2, 2018
Book gives fair idea of ensuing technology about to engulf humanity.
Book gives fair idea of ensuing technology about to engulf human life..Eager to know much more about its impact .
Book gives fair idea of ensuing technology about to engulf human life..Eager to know much more about its impact .
April 29, 2018
Quite and may be overly concise, but useful for a complete beginner. Evidently, it had a goal to be of such kind. The same material can be extracted from several blogs on the topic, but if you need a quick intro read offline commuting or flying, it's pretty good.
August 3, 2018
Good introduction to Blockchain technology
Nice and concise introduction to blockchain technology and cryptography. Has technical details so beware. You can skim through the technical details and still learn enough to have meaningful conversation on the topic.
Nice and concise introduction to blockchain technology and cryptography. Has technical details so beware. You can skim through the technical details and still learn enough to have meaningful conversation on the topic.
November 29, 2018
Additional insight...at an understandable level for the layman
Worth reading and well explained...clearly up to a basic level...that suits me as a non-nerd (not denigrating nerds btw)...enjoyed the whole concept.
Worth reading and well explained...clearly up to a basic level...that suits me as a non-nerd (not denigrating nerds btw)...enjoyed the whole concept.
September 15, 2020
I learnt from this book:
* What does the name "Blockchain" mean
* Why it is mostly impossible to change a verified block
* What are Bitcoin's problems?
* Briefly, what Ethereum, Litecoin, Zcash, Monero improved compared to Bitcoin.
* What does the name "Blockchain" mean
* Why it is mostly impossible to change a verified block
* What are Bitcoin's problems?
* Briefly, what Ethereum, Litecoin, Zcash, Monero improved compared to Bitcoin.
January 5, 2018
Great book for begigners
Nicely written and easy read explaining the basics to beginners.
Good book and starting point for anyone looking to understand basics.
Nicely written and easy read explaining the basics to beginners.
Good book and starting point for anyone looking to understand basics.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews