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David Joseph Katz

The most requested topic for a course I've had so far is to "build a smart contract blockchain and cryptocurrency." And for plenty of reasons:

  • Smart contracts are the main feature behind Ethereum, which is the second most valuable cryptocurrency.

  • Learning smart contracts is a natural next step after learning about blockchains. A blockchain is a decentralized ledger. A smart contract blockchain is a decentralized computer.

  • A smart contract blockchain can support decentralized applications. This opens the door to a wide variety of solutions.

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The most requested topic for a course I've had so far is to "build a smart contract blockchain and cryptocurrency." And for plenty of reasons:

  • Smart contracts are the main feature behind Ethereum, which is the second most valuable cryptocurrency.

  • Learning smart contracts is a natural next step after learning about blockchains. A blockchain is a decentralized ledger. A smart contract blockchain is a decentralized computer.

  • A smart contract blockchain can support decentralized applications. This opens the door to a wide variety of solutions.

Based on these points and more it would definitely be a valuable learning experience to try building a smart contract blockchain and cryptocurrency like Ethereum.

So it can be quite surprising to discover that existing tutorials are challenging to find. Sure, there's the Ethereum documentation. But this information is better understood when you're pretty knowledgeable about blockchains already. Likewise, other resources you find, like articles and videos, mostly focus on aspects of a completed Ethereum system. They don't take you through the process of completely building a smart contract blockchain and cryptocurrency.

However, it's understandable. A complete system like Ethereum is quite complex. It uses many advanced data structures and technologies. And untangling the interaction between its many components can feel like navigating through a labyrinth.

This is why I made it my mission to create a "Build Ethereum From Scratch" tutorial that focuses on the essential elements. By the end of the tutorial, you should be able to execute smart contracts in a decentralized way.

And with a few months of work, here you have the finished product. Here is the course journey:

  1. Build a smart contract language and an interpreter to execute code.

  2. Next, create an ethereum-inspired blockchain, with its own mining implementation, and block structures.

  3. Extend the blockchain with a network implementation.

  4. Incorporate transactions and accounts. This will set up the Ethereum-like cryptocurrency, and create the concept of a decentralized computer.

  5. Come full circle by running smart contracts on the blockchain.

By the end of the course, you will have built a decentralized computer platform that resembles many of the key features of Ethereum. In addition, at the end of the course, I'll provide a list that you can use for continued development. That way, the project is truly in your hands - ready to go as far as you want to take it.

Take this course if you want to learn how Ethereum works. Especially take this course if you've been hoping to build your own version of Ethereum. By the end, you'll have a unique item on your resume, or even the foundation for your next startup.

Alright, let's get started coding.

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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Delves into the core structure of smart contracts, blockchains, and cryptocurrencies, by walking learners through building their own
Taught by David Joseph Katz, whose expertise in blockchain technology equips learners with foundational understanding
Covers advanced data structures and technologies, building a strong foundation
Builds a decentralized computer platform that closely resembles the features of Ethereum
Requires extensive background knowledge in blockchains

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ethereum Tutorial: Ethereum & Smart Contracts from Scratch with these activities:
Review Core Programming Concepts
Refresh foundational programming concepts, such as data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming, to strengthen the base knowledge required for effective smart contract development.
Show steps
  • Review online resources or books on core programming concepts
  • Solve coding problems to reinforce understanding
Peer Code Review
Collaborate with other students to review and provide feedback on smart contract code, enhancing understanding and identifying potential issues.
Browse courses on Code Collaboration
Show steps
  • Pair up with a peer
  • Review each other's smart contract code
  • Provide constructive feedback
Smart Contract Coding Practice
Complete coding exercises and challenges related to smart contracts to enhance understanding and proficiency in Solidity programming.
Browse courses on Solidity
Show steps
  • Solve coding problems related to smart contracts
  • Participate in online coding challenges
Three other activities
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Show all six activities
Blockchain Development Project
Develop a small-scale blockchain-based project to apply the concepts learned in the course and gain practical experience in building decentralized applications.
Browse courses on Blockchain Development
Show steps
  • Ideate and design a blockchain application
  • Implement the blockchain using the concepts covered in the course
  • Test and deploy the blockchain application
Ethereum Development Workshop
Attend an in-person workshop focused on Ethereum development to gain hands-on experience and learn from experts in the field.
Show steps
  • Attend an Ethereum development workshop
  • Participate in hands-on exercises and discussions
Advanced Ethereum Development Tutorials
Explore advanced topics in Ethereum development, such as optimizing smart contracts, working with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), and implementing security measures.
Browse courses on Ethereum Virtual Machine
Show steps
  • Follow online tutorials on advanced Ethereum development
  • Build a more complex Ethereum-based application

Career center

Learners who complete Ethereum Tutorial: Ethereum & Smart Contracts from Scratch will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Blockchain Developer
A Blockchain Developer builds and maintains blockchain networks and applications. As a Blockchain Developer, you would be responsible for designing, developing, and testing blockchain-based systems. This course will help you build a foundation in blockchain technology, including smart contracts and Ethereum, which will be essential for success in this role.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. As a Software Engineer specializing in blockchain, you would be responsible for building and maintaining blockchain-based applications. This course will help you build a foundation in blockchain technology, including smart contracts and Ethereum, which will be essential for success in this role.
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist analyzes data to extract insights and build models. As a Data Scientist specializing in blockchain, you would be responsible for analyzing blockchain data to identify trends and patterns. This course will help you build a foundation in blockchain technology, including smart contracts and Ethereum, which will be essential for success in this role.
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst analyzes financial data to make investment recommendations. As a Financial Analyst specializing in blockchain, you would be responsible for analyzing blockchain-based financial products. This course will help you build a foundation in blockchain technology, including smart contracts and Ethereum, which will be essential for success in this role.
Product Manager
A Product Manager plans and manages the development of software products. As a Product Manager specializing in blockchain, you would be responsible for planning and managing the development of blockchain-based products. This course will help you build a foundation in blockchain technology, including smart contracts and Ethereum, which will be essential for success in this role.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst analyzes business needs and develops solutions. As a Business Analyst specializing in blockchain, you would be responsible for analyzing business needs and developing blockchain-based solutions. This course will help you build a foundation in blockchain technology, including smart contracts and Ethereum, which will be essential for success in this role.
Systems Analyst
A Systems Analyst analyzes and designs computer systems. As a Systems Analyst specializing in blockchain, you would be responsible for analyzing and designing blockchain-based systems. This course will help you build a foundation in blockchain technology, including smart contracts and Ethereum, which will be essential for success in this role.
Security Analyst
A Security Analyst analyzes and protects computer systems from security threats. As a Security Analyst specializing in blockchain, you would be responsible for analyzing and protecting blockchain-based systems from security threats. This course will help you build a foundation in blockchain technology, including smart contracts and Ethereum, which will be essential for success in this role.
Network Engineer
A Network Engineer designs and maintains computer networks. As a Network Engineer specializing in blockchain, you would be responsible for designing and maintaining blockchain-based networks. This course will help you build a foundation in blockchain technology, including smart contracts and Ethereum, which will be essential for success in this role.
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator manages and maintains databases. As a Database Administrator specializing in blockchain, you would be responsible for managing and maintaining blockchain-based databases. This course will help you build a foundation in blockchain technology, including smart contracts and Ethereum, which will be essential for success in this role.
IT Project Manager
An IT Project Manager plans and manages IT projects. As an IT Project Manager specializing in blockchain, you would be responsible for planning and managing blockchain-based projects. This course will help you build a foundation in blockchain technology, including smart contracts and Ethereum, which will be essential for success in this role.
Web Developer
A Web Developer designs and develops websites. As a Web Developer specializing in blockchain, you would be responsible for designing and developing blockchain-based websites. This course will help you build a foundation in blockchain technology, including smart contracts and Ethereum, which will be essential for success in this role.
Mobile Application Developer
A Mobile Application Developer designs and develops mobile applications. As a Mobile Application Developer specializing in blockchain, you would be responsible for designing and developing blockchain-based mobile applications. This course will help you build a foundation in blockchain technology, including smart contracts and Ethereum, which will be essential for success in this role.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer writes technical documentation. As a Technical Writer specializing in blockchain, you would be responsible for writing technical documentation for blockchain-based products and services. This course will help you build a foundation in blockchain technology, including smart contracts and Ethereum, which will be essential for success in this role.
Sales Engineer
A Sales Engineer sells and supports technical products and services. As a Sales Engineer specializing in blockchain, you would be responsible for selling and supporting blockchain-based products and services. This course will help you build a foundation in blockchain technology, including smart contracts and Ethereum, which will be essential for success in this role.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ethereum Tutorial: Ethereum & Smart Contracts from Scratch.
Comprehensively covers the fundamental concepts of blockchain technology, providing a clear understanding of its architecture and applications. It will help you grasp the underlying principles of decentralized ledger systems and smart contracts, boosting your foundational knowledge for building Ethereum applications.
This guide valuable resource for developers looking to build and deploy decentralized applications on the Ethereum platform. It offers comprehensive guidance on essential concepts like smart contract development, transaction handling, and network architecture, complementing the course's practical approach.
Co-authored by Ethereum's co-founder, this book provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology's principles, applications, and potential. It will help you understand the broader context of Ethereum and smart contracts within the blockchain landscape.
While primarily focused on cryptocurrencies, this book offers insights into the underlying technology and market dynamics that shape the blockchain ecosystem. It will help you understand the broader context of Ethereum and smart contracts within the world of digital assets.
Offers a broader perspective on the potential of blockchain technology across various industries. It explores its application in supply chain management, healthcare, and other sectors, providing insights into the transformative impact of decentralized systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology, its history, and its potential implications for various industries. It will help you understand the broader context of Ethereum and smart contracts within the technological revolution.

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