
Explore how blockchain provides a decentralized, append-only log for moving value in a trustless internet, using cryptography, validation, and consensus to secure tamper-proof data and transactions.
Learn how to participate in blockchains through exchanges and wallets, weighing custodial centralized exchanges against non-custodial wallets and using cold wallets to protect keys for secure transfers.
Explore how Ethereum enables smart contracts and a decentralized global computer, with apps like dApps, and distinguish fungible tokens from non-fungible tokens, including utility, security, and governance tokens.
Explore decentralized exchanges like Uniswap and SushiSwap, where smart contracts price token pairs. Connect your wallet, swap tokens, and earn fees or staking yields from dex liquidity and oracles.
Terms like blockchain, cryptocurrency, and non-fungible tokens are making the news, but what do they really mean?
This course begins with a brief history of the internet, explaining how it’s a network that moves information across the world. The blockchain is then introduced, showcasing the innovation to move real value across the internet. The course explains how cryptocurrency is only one of several very interesting applications for the blockchain.
Proof of Work (POW) is shown so you can understand how mining rigs are solving cryptographic puzzles and earning passive income. Necessary details such as hash and digital signatures are explained at a high level. Wallets and centralized exchanges are described, to help you get involved with crypto investing.
Smart contracts are briefly explained using the example of a home mortgage. The core principles of Ethereum are shown, since it was the pioneer of code compilation within a blockchain. Next, decentralized exchanges are summarized, including the way liquidity pools are used to create the supply/demand economics necessary for proper operation. Fungible and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are explained in detail, so you can finally understand the technology behind the hype. Different kinds of tokens, such as utility, security & governance are also explained.
Next, interfaces known as oracles are explained. These platforms are used to interface real-world data with the blockchain. This is how everything from light switches to temperature sensors to stock exchanges can move data into Web 3.0. Similarly, smart contracts on the blockchain can control real-world devices such as motors, switches and printers.
The course concludes with a discussion about Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs). These are Web 3.0 “companies” that operate on smart contracts and have “employees” that can be pseudo-anonymous. Several of the most successful blockchain projects are created by DAOs, and are funded by a variety of tokens.
Viewers will satisfy their curiosity by learning how this amazing new technology actually works! The course is designed for a broad audience beyond computer scientists and programmers. If you’re looking to spend just one hour to learn about a refreshing, modern and different subject, this course is for you!