Blockchain Basics: A Non-Technical Introduction in 25 Steps

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 Will 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

Table of Contents

Stage I: Terminology and Technical Foundations
Step 1: Thinking in Layers and Aspects
Step 2: Seeing the Big Picture
Step 3: Recognizing the Potential

Stage II: Why the Blockchain Is Needed
Step 4: Discovering the Core Problem
Step 5: Disambiguating the Term
Step 6: Understanding the Nature of Ownership
Step 7: Spending Money Twice

Stage III: How the Blockchain Works
Step 8: Planning the Blockchain
Step 9: Documenting Ownership
Step 10: Hashing Data
Step 11: Hashing in the Real World
Step 12: Identifying and Protecting User Accounts
Step 13: Authorizing Transactions
Step 14: Storing Transaction Data
Step 15: Using the Data Store
Step 16: Protecting the Data Store
Step 17: Distributing the Data Store Among Peers
Step 18: Verif ying and Adding Transactions
Step 19: Choosing a Transaction History
Step 20: Paying for Integrity
Step 21: Bringing the Pieces Together

Stage IV: Limitations and How to Overcome Them
Step 22: Seeing the Limitations
Step 23: Reinventing the Blockchain

Stage V: Using the Blockchain, Summary, and Outlook
Step 24: Using the Blockchain
Step 25: Summarizing and Going Further