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
254,191 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.6
(7,614 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
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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.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
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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 (1,975 ratings)
Recommended if you're interested in Software Development
University of Leeds
University of California, Irvine
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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+.