A developer’s notebook · 2017–2019

Blockchain, explained from first principles to shipped code.

Twenty-six essays and walkthroughs written while the technology was young: what a transaction really is, how consensus works, how ICOs worked, and how to build on Ethereum yourself. Kept here as written, with notes where time has caught up with them.

Blocks
26
Words
46k
Span
2017–19

2019

  1. The Blockchain Notary: 5-minute file certification without corruptible intermediariesIn this article I will explain exactly how I solved the problem of file notarization using the ethereum blockchain. From idea to dApp! Check it out!10 min
  2. Are You an Ethereum Developer for Real? Answer These 5 Questions!A quick 5-question quiz to test your ethereum development knowledge. Some questions are easy but one of them is really tricky.6 min
  3. How I deployed a dapp on Ropsten from an EC2 instance (without using Infura)I will tell you how I deployed my ethereum dApp on the Ropsten testnet using a cloud server instead of relying on subscription-based tools.6 min
  4. VIDEOCreating and signing a Raw Ethereum TransactionEver wondered how your wallet works? In this video/article I will create a transaction from scratch and sign it using simple tools. Non-techies welcome!Video
  5. VIDEOAnatomy of an Ethereum TransactionEvery ethereum transaction is described by a specific set of values. Learn the structure by undertanding the basic components.Video
  6. Q&AWhere did Bitcoin start?This is a very simple question that can be answered by looking at the history of Bitcoin.1 min
  7. "What happens when I click SEND?" The beginning of a BTC transaction.Let's talk about the beginning of the lifecycle of a transaction. We want to give a bitcoin to Bob. Because Bob is so cool! Let's see what happens.6 min
  8. Q&AWhich ethereum wallet to use?Need to store your ethers and interact with some interesting dapps? Yes you need a wallet! But which one to choose? Don't worry I'll explain you!2 min
  9. Q&AWhere bitcoin is accepted?Bitcoin is a form of currency, so you can exchange it for goods or services. Pretty simple, but where is bitcoin accepted? Click here to find out!2 min
  10. Facebook Libra, a Developer's perspective.I just called Libra a “cryptocurrency”, but is it really a cryptocurrency? Or is it just a regular web-based payment system like PayPal?4 min

2018

  1. The epic CryptoVerse infographic: Learn about 25 altcoins in 10 minutesEver wanted to take a glance at the top altcoins' best features in less than 10 minutes? Then check out this freshly designed infographic!2 min
  2. Why the recent drop in blockchain popularity is a good thingYou might have been thinking… Oh poor guy. You may want to ask me, is everything ok?2 min
  3. Boosting Banks' Power with Blockchain TechnologyCheck out this non-technical but conceptually complete article to find out HOW Blockchain can boost efficiency, security and transparency of any bank and financial institution in the world. By implementing the right technologies, banks can potentially experience steroid-like growth.10 min
  4. Public vs Private Blockchain, and a middle-ground solution you may not knowThis article discusses another important topic related with blockchains and digital asset exchanges: Public and Private blockchains. Not only that! I will show you that there is a middle-ground solution, which is called "Consortium Blockchain". Clear your doubts once for all, and check out this simple article!5 min
  5. The 7 Blockchain Books for Self-Education and Decentralized EnlightenmentThere are many books about Blockchain, but 90% of them contain either outdated information or oversimplified concepts. I have read many blockchain books up until today, so I want to suggest the best 7 books to learn blockchain. These are especially valuable to developers, entrepreneurs, consultants and/or investors.8 min
  6. What is Consensus, and how to achieve it in a Blockchain ecosystemTired of hearing the world "consensus" in blockchain discussions, and not really understanding what it truly means? Stop being clueless and read this article to understand what consensus means in the blockchain world, and what are all the possible algorithms to enforce it.12 min
  7. The Dadi ICO - A Crowdsale you don't wanna missDo you want to learn all about decentralized cloud computing and how to participate in the Dadi ICO? Click here to read a full article explaining what the Dadi project is and why it will be one of the most succesfull ICOs of Q1 2018.11 min
  8. Blockchain and government, can they work together?In this article I will reason about the idea of a blockchain government. Can governments evolve by integrating blockchain technology in their digital infrastructure? Can they become faster, stronger and “bulletproof” as a result of that? Read this article now to dive into the topic learn all this!13 min

2017

  1. The value of Ethereum, a complete discussionImprove your understanding of the value that Ethereum brings as a technology. What is its real value? How will it perform in the future?11 min
  2. Cardano, a third generation blockchain based crypto tokenRead this article now to understand what is Cardano, and how it is going to solve problems that cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum have.10 min
  3. Blockchain protocol applied to Anti-DDoS systems and CDN networksIn this article you will learn about Gladius. They used the blockchain protocol in order to build a platform that provides anti-DDoS and CDN services.12 min
  4. ICO Investment done right - What you need to know about investing in ICOsFollow these simple tips to dramatically improve your chances of finding a good ICO investment that is worth your attention and money.14 min
  5. Initial Coin Offering 101 - All you need to knowDramatically improve your knowledge about the concept of initial coin offering. This article can be easily understood by newbies and non-technical people.12 min
  6. How to explain Blockchain to parents, or grandparentsDramatically improve your ability to explain blockchain to parents and non-tech people in general with this article. Click here and learn how to do it.13 min
  7. Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple - an explanation of the big three.Dramatically improve your knowledge of these three digital currencies. Read this article where you will learn about each coin's structure and use cases.15 min
  8. What is digital currency exactly?In this article we will discuss the concept of digital currency. What it is, how does it work, and what technological innovations power its functioning.10 min