This first course of the Blockchain specialization provides a broad overview of the essential concepts of blockchain technology – by initially exploring the Bitcoin protocol followed by the Ethereum protocol – to lay the foundation necessary for developing applications and programming. You will be equipped with the knowledge needed to create nodes on your personal Ethereum blockchain, create accounts, unlock accounts, mine, transact, transfer Ethers, and check balances.
Blockchain Basics
Blockchain Basics
This course is part of Blockchain Specialization
Instructor: Bina Ramamurthy
256,007 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.6
(7,634 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
Flexible schedule
Approx. 15 hours
Learn at your own pace
95%
Most learners liked this course
What you'll learn
A learner will be able to recognize foundational concepts of blockchain, and apply these program concepts on the blockchain.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
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Assessments
20 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Blockchain Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course
We will introduce and define blockchain, explain the structure and operational aspects of Bitcoin blockchain, and compare different types of blockchains.
What's included
5 videos6 readings5 assignments
We will discuss the innovation of the Ethereum blockchain, review its protocol, and explore the payment model for code execution.
What's included
5 videos5 readings5 assignments
We will discuss the concept of asymmetric key encryption, define the concept of hashing, and explain techniques that use algorithms to manage the integrity of transactions and blocks in blockchain.
What's included
4 videos5 readings5 assignments
We will define elements of trust in blockchain and discuss the Consensus protocol.
What's included
5 videos5 readings5 assignments1 programming assignment
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.5 (1,980 ratings)
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Learner reviews
4.6
7,634 reviews
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Showing 3 of 7634
MK
4
Reviewed on Mar 15, 2019
Very nicely arranged course and very informative. Learned a lot in no time. Only hurdle is The Ethereum Virtual machine takes hell lot of time in the Miner step. rest all fine. thanks a lot.
RL
5
Reviewed on Jul 14, 2019
A comprehensive course covering everything related to Blockchain Basics and great for Beginners and any professional who wants to start their career in Blockchain technology can take this course.
LR
5
Reviewed on Jul 29, 2019
Comprehensive and clear course that summarize the basic concepts to understand the blockchain technology. Also the resources and contents included are very valuables. I totally recommend this course.
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Frequently asked questions
This course is for anyone interested in obtaining a broad overview of blockchain technology. Along with the other courses of the Blockchain specialization, it provides the foundation needed for developers who seek to design and develop smart contracts (the focus of the second course) and decentralized applications (the focus of the third course) on the blockchain. Though there are no technical prerequisites for this course, motivation to learn novel techniques and essential foundations is critical to understanding blockchain concepts and interacting with the blockchain.
Knowledge of at least one modern, high-level programming language is required.
A laptop or a desktop of this specification: 64 bit machine with minimum 4Gb ram, 10Gb free space and Windows 7 or above , or ubuntu 16.04 or Mac os x 10.0+.