Blockchain for Developers

Learn the fundamentals of blockchain technology, from distributed ledgers to smart contracts, with real-world examples.

🔍 What is Blockchain?

A blockchain is a decentralized, distributed ledger technology that records transactions across many computers in such a way that the registered transactions cannot be altered retroactively.

Key Features

  • Decentralization
  • Immutability
  • Transparency

How It Works

  1. Transactions are verified by network participants
  2. Valid transactions are grouped into blocks
  3. Blocks are linked through cryptographic hashing
  4. Chain grows continuously in a decentralized manner

📦 Smart Contract Example


pragma solidity ^0.8.0;

contract SimpleStorage {
    uint storedData;

    function set(uint x) public {
        storedData = x;
    }

    function get() public view returns (uint) {
        return storedData;
    }
}
                
            

This basic example shows a contract that stores and retrieves data from the blockchain using Solidity.

🔑 Key Blockchain Concepts

⛓️

Chaining

Blocks are linked together using cryptographic hashes to ensure data integrity and historical traceability.

🔐

Cryptography

Public-key cryptography enables secure peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries.

🧠

Consensus

Network participants agree on the state of the ledger using algorithms like Proof of Work or Proof of Stake.

🛠 Getting Started

1. Set up Environment

npm install -g truffle npm init -y npm install web3@1.0.0

2. Write Contract

// Sample contract contract MyContract { function store(uint x) public { // Implementation } }