Blockchain technology has come a long way since the initial vision published by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008. Big buzz words like "bitcoin," "blockchain," and "cryptocurrency" are everywhere. Companies and governments have started to use blockchain technology in earnest and will increasingly do so for the foreseeable future. This book takes an in-depth look at blockchain technology and how users can take advantage of its potential. Since its initial conception, blockchain has encompassed both a social promise and new technology. Originally proposed as a solution for Bitcoin's cryptocurrency record-keeping system, blockchains are now used to store the records of all types of applications. Core services we all depend on like the transfer of money, voting, land records, IP rights, and identity all rely on intermediaries. Blockchain software has begun taking the place of these antiquated systems. The software becomes the trusted record-keeping system, and the rules programed into the software become the intermediaries. This book explains the fundamentals of blockchain technology and assumes that the reader has little to no knowledge of the subject. Topics are explained as simply as possible, while not obscuring details that may affect the reader. It also gives the reader insight into the critical differences in blockchain software and will provide them with a basic understanding of how and why these systems work. After reading this book, the reader will be able to speak with confidence on the topic, know key differences in technology. The reader will also have critical insight into blockchain software's inherent limitations and shortcomings. This book is also the definitive guide to the Blockchain Technology Foundation (BTF) exam from EXIN. It will prepare the reader for the test, and each chapter ends with review questions for extra guidance in preparing for the exam.

Blockchain technology facilitates a decentralized database where business is rendered transparent without the involvement of middlemen. The first use of this technology was its application in digital currency (bitcoin). However, other potential uses of blockchain are yet to be explored. It is expected to have a major impact on cyber security, the internet of things, supply chain management, market prediction, governance, information management, and financial transactions, among others. Blockchain has redesigned the way in which people deal with their money due to its effectiveness, especially in terms of security. Therefore, from the data analytics point of view, investigation of the application of blockchain technology in a wide range of domains is crucial. In this context, this book provides a broad picture of the concepts, techniques, applications, and open research directions in this area, and will serve as a single source of reference for acquiring knowledge on this emerging technology.

Recent innovations have created significant developments in data storage and management. These new technologies now allow for greater security in databases and other applications. Decentralized Computing Using Blockchain Technologies and Smart Contracts: Emerging Research and Opportunities is a concise and informative source of academic research on the latest developments in block chain innovation and their application in contractual agreements. Highlighting pivotal discussions on topics such as cryptography, programming techniques, and decentralized computing, this book is an ideal publication for researchers, academics, professionals, students, and practitioners seeking content on utilizing block chains with smart contracts.

This book explores the fundamentals and applications of Blockchain technology; the transparent, secure, immutable and distributed database used currently as the underlying technology for Cryptocurrency. Decentralized peer-to-peer network, distributed ledger and the trust model that defines Blockchain technology will be explained.

Handbook of Research on Blockchain Technology presents the latest information on the adaptation and implementation of Blockchain technologies in real world business, scientific, healthcare and biomedical applications. The book's editors present the rapid advancements in existing business models by applying Blockchain techniques. Novel architectural solutions in the deployment of Blockchain comprise the core aspects of this book. Several use cases with IoT, biomedical engineering, and smart cities are also incorporated. As Blockchain is a relatively new technology that exploits decentralized networks and is used in many sectors for reliable, cost-effective and rapid business transactions, this book is a welcomed addition on existing knowledge. Financial services, retail, insurance, logistics, supply chain, public sectors and biomedical industries are now investing in Blockchain research and technologies for their business growth. Blockchain prevents double spending in financial transactions without the need of a trusted authority or central server. It is a decentralized ledger platform that facilitates verifiable transactions between parties in a secure and smart way. - Presents the evolution of blockchain, from fundamental theories, to present forms - Explains the concepts of blockchain related to cloud/edge computing, smart healthcare, smart cities and Internet of Things (IoT) - Provides complete coverage of the various tools, platforms and techniques used in blockchain - Explores smart contract tools and consensus algorithms - Covers a variety of applications with real world case studies in areas such as biomedical engineering, supply chain management, and tracking of goods and delivery

An authoritative introduction to the exciting new technologies of digital money Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies provides a comprehensive introduction to the revolutionary yet often misunderstood new technologies of digital currency. Whether you are a student, software developer, tech entrepreneur, or researcher in computer science, this authoritative and self-contained book tells you everything you need to know about the new global money for the Internet age. How do Bitcoin and its block chain actually work? How secure are your bitcoins? How anonymous are their users? Can cryptocurrencies be regulated? These are some of the many questions this book answers. It begins by tracing the history and development of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, and then gives the conceptual and practical foundations you need to engineer secure software that interacts with the Bitcoin network as well as to integrate ideas from Bitcoin into your own projects. Topics include decentralization, mining, the politics of Bitcoin, altcoins and the cryptocurrency ecosystem, the future of Bitcoin, and more. An essential introduction to the new technologies of digital currency Covers the history and mechanics of Bitcoin and the block chain, security, decentralization, anonymity, politics and regulation, altcoins, and much more Features an accompanying website that includes instructional videos for each chapter, homework problems, programming assignments, and lecture slides Also suitable for use with the authors' Coursera online course Electronic solutions manual (available only to professors)

In 25 concise steps, you will learn the basics of blockchain technology. No mathematical formulas, program code, or computer science jargon are used. No previous knowledge in computer science, mathematics, programming, or cryptography is required. Terminology is explained through pictures, analogies, and metaphors. This book bridges the gap that exists between purely technical books about the blockchain and purely business-focused books. It does so by explaining both the technical concepts that make up the blockchain and their role in business-relevant applications. What You'll Learn What the blockchain is Why it is needed and what problem it solves Why there is so much excitement about the blockchain and its potential Major components and their purpose How various components of the blockchain work and interact Limitations, why they exist, and what has been done to overcome them Major application scenarios Who This Book Is For Everyone who wants to get a general idea of what blockchain technology is, how it works, and how it will potentially change the financial system as we know it