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Thomas Hay

Learning more about how an Ethereum client works is crucial for Developers and DevOps professionals who are looking to create a private blockchain network or to connect to Ethereum mainnet. As individuals and organizations adopt Ethereum as part of their business processes, Developers and DevOps professionals will be able to use the knowledge gained in this course to create blockchain networks and deploy decentralized applications to these networks. This course will provide a learner with insight into how to configure and use Besu to do these activities, and provide examples of where Besu is being used.

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Learning more about how an Ethereum client works is crucial for Developers and DevOps professionals who are looking to create a private blockchain network or to connect to Ethereum mainnet. As individuals and organizations adopt Ethereum as part of their business processes, Developers and DevOps professionals will be able to use the knowledge gained in this course to create blockchain networks and deploy decentralized applications to these networks. This course will provide a learner with insight into how to configure and use Besu to do these activities, and provide examples of where Besu is being used.

This course is designed for experienced Developers and DevOps professionals who are interested in learning about Besu features and capabilities, and who are looking to expand their blockchain architecture knowledge. It will be also helpful to blockchain architects who are looking to learn more about Ethereum Virtual Machine compatible blockchains.

In this course, you will learn how to install Besu, start up Besu for MainNet and build a Besu private network. You will also learn how to create a private network with privacy and send a private transaction in a private network using Tessera.

The course provides you with a sub-set of skills required for a career change into Blockchain-focused developer operations roles.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Install besu on your computer.
  • Start up besu for mainnet.
  • Create a besu private network.
  • Create a private network with privacy (tessera).
  • Send a private transaction in a private network (tessera).

Syllabus

Welcome!
Chapter 1. Installing Besu
Chapter 2. Starting and Understanding Besu
Chapter 3. Creating a Private Network with the QuickStart
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides insight into configuring and using Besu, which is crucial for creating private blockchain networks and deploying decentralized applications
Teaches how to create a private network with privacy using Tessera, which is valuable for organizations adopting Ethereum
Designed for experienced developers and DevOps professionals, which means learners should already have a solid foundation in blockchain architecture
Offers a subset of skills required for a career change into blockchain-focused developer operations roles, which may require further training
Presented by The Linux Foundation, which is known for its contributions to open-source software and its work in the Linux ecosystem
Explores Ethereum Virtual Machine compatible blockchains, which is helpful for blockchain architects looking to expand their knowledge

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Reviews summary

Besu private blockchain network essentials

According to learners, this course provides a practical introduction to Besu, focusing specifically on setting up a private blockchain network. Students appreciate the step-by-step guidance on installation and configuration, including learning how to integrate Tessera for privacy features. While the course material is considered relevant for experienced developers and DevOps professionals looking to work with Ethereum Virtual Machine compatible blockchains, some note that prior experience is essential and might encounter minor issues with setup or needing supplemental information for deeper understanding.
Best suited for experienced tech roles.
"This course definitely assumes you have a background in development or DevOps."
"It's not for absolute beginners to blockchain or command-line interfaces."
"Coming in with prior technical knowledge made the concepts easier to grasp."
Getting started with Besu setup.
"Getting Besu installed and running for the first time felt straightforward after following the initial steps."
"I encountered a few platform-specific issues during installation, requiring some troubleshooting."
"The guide covers the basics of setting up your environment for Besu."
Explains adding privacy features.
"Learning how to integrate Tessera to add privacy to transactions was a key takeaway from the course."
"The demonstration of sending a private transaction was helpful."
"It covers the basics of setting up a private network with privacy enabled."
Practical steps for network creation.
"The sections on creating a private network were the most valuable part, providing clear instructions."
"Using the QuickStart guide helped me quickly get a basic network up and running."
"It clearly explained the necessary configuration files and commands for a private network."

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 Besu Essentials: Creating a Private Blockchain Network with these activities:
Review Ethereum Fundamentals
Reviewing Ethereum fundamentals will provide a solid foundation for understanding Besu's role and capabilities within the Ethereum ecosystem.
Browse courses on Ethereum
Show steps
  • Read articles on Ethereum's architecture.
  • Watch videos explaining Proof-of-Work and Proof-of-Stake.
  • Review the Ethereum whitepaper.
Mastering Ethereum
Reading 'Mastering Ethereum' will provide a deeper understanding of the Ethereum ecosystem and the technologies that Besu interacts with.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on Ethereum architecture.
  • Study the sections on smart contracts and Solidity.
  • Review the book's examples of decentralized applications.
Practice Besu Configuration Scenarios
Practicing different configuration scenarios will improve proficiency in using Besu and troubleshooting common issues.
Show steps
  • Set up a Besu network with different consensus mechanisms.
  • Configure Besu to connect to different Ethereum testnets.
  • Simulate network failures and practice recovery procedures.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Deploy a Simple Smart Contract on a Besu Private Network
Deploying a smart contract will provide hands-on experience with Besu and solidify understanding of private network configuration.
Show steps
  • Set up a Besu private network following the course instructions.
  • Write a simple smart contract using Solidity.
  • Compile and deploy the smart contract to the Besu network.
  • Interact with the smart contract using web3.js or similar.
Write a Blog Post on Besu Use Cases
Researching and writing about Besu use cases will deepen understanding of its applications and benefits.
Show steps
  • Research different use cases for Besu in private blockchain networks.
  • Outline the blog post with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Write the blog post, providing examples and explanations.
  • Edit and publish the blog post on a platform like Medium or a personal blog.
Building Enterprise Blockchain Solutions with Hyperledger Fabric
Reading about Hyperledger Fabric will provide a broader understanding of enterprise blockchain solutions.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on Hyperledger Fabric architecture.
  • Study the sections on chaincode development.
  • Review the book's examples of enterprise blockchain applications.
Contribute to Besu Documentation
Contributing to Besu documentation will deepen understanding of the project and improve communication skills.
Show steps
  • Identify areas in the Besu documentation that need improvement.
  • Fork the Besu documentation repository on GitHub.
  • Make the necessary changes and submit a pull request.
  • Respond to feedback and revise the pull request as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Besu Essentials: Creating a Private Blockchain Network will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Blockchain Developer
A Blockchain Developer builds and maintains decentralized applications and blockchain networks. This course helps aspiring Blockchain Developers by introducing the configuration and usage of Besu, a crucial tool for creating private blockchain networks. The course's focus on installing Besu, initiating a mainnet startup, and building private networks equips learners with foundational skills for developing blockchain solutions. Specifically, the course's exploration of privacy using Tessera is particularly helpful when developing enterprise blockchain solutions. This course provides an hands-on introduction to blockchain development.
Solutions Architect
A Solutions Architect designs and oversees the implementation of technology solutions for an organization. This course helps a Solutions Architect, especially one focused on blockchain, gain a solid understanding of how to build and configure private Ethereum networks using Besu. This knowledge is essential for designing robust and scalable blockchain solutions. The course's lessons on private network setup and transaction privacy mechanisms provide a clear path to designing and implementing secure blockchain networks. This course provides the architect with practical knowledge.
DevOps Engineer
A DevOps Engineer is responsible for automating and streamlining the software development lifecycle. This course may be useful for a DevOps Engineer working with blockchain technology who needs to manage and deploy private blockchain networks. The course's curriculum on installing Besu, setting up private networks, and incorporating privacy via Tessera directly aligns with the practical requirements of managing a blockchain infrastructure. This course helps DevOps engineers who are expanding skills to include decentralized applications.
Smart Contract Developer
A Smart Contract Developer creates the self-executing contracts on a blockchain that automate business processes. This course helps Smart Contract Developers gain a deeper understanding of the underlying infrastructure of blockchain networks. Understanding how to set up private networks with Besu and working with transaction privacy are essential aspects that provide practical knowledge. While this course doesn't teach the coding of smart contracts, it provides a crucial understanding of the environments where smart contracts operate. This course is a useful complement to courses focusing on smart contract languages such as Solidity.
Blockchain Consultant
A Blockchain Consultant advises organizations on how to implement and benefit from blockchain technology. This course may be useful for a Blockchain Consultant as it introduces the practical aspects of creating private networks using Besu, which is essential for offering informed advice. The course’s instruction on topics such as setting-up private networks and implementing transaction privacy directly informs a consultant's recommendations during projects. This deepens a consultant's understanding of blockchain options.
Systems Engineer
A Systems Engineer designs and manages complex systems, and a blockchain network is a complex system. This course helps a Systems Engineer gain practical experience with the setup and management of a blockchain network, specifically using Besu. The course provides hands-on experience in installing Besu, configuring private networks, and implementing privacy features with Tessera, which are all elements that provide useful knowledge when managing a system that includes blockchain technology. This adds a new facet to a Systems Engineer's portfolio.
Network Administrator
A Network Administrator maintains and manages computer networks, and this includes blockchain networks. A Network Administrator can use this course to learn how to set up and manage private blockchain networks using Besu. The ability to create and manage private networks and incorporate privacy features is key for those responsible for the operational aspects of blockchain infrastructure. The course provides a solid foundation in deploying and securing blockchain networks. This course expands the network administrator's skill set.
Technical Project Manager
A Technical Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of technology projects. This course helps a Technical Project Manager better understand the technical aspects of a blockchain project. This understanding is gained by learning how to set up Besu, create private networks with privacy via Tessera and manage transactions. This course’s focus on practical network configuration makes a manager more attuned to the requirements of a blockchain project. This equips a project manager with a deeper understanding of blockchain tech.
Cryptocurrency Analyst
A Cryptocurrency Analyst studies and analyzes the cryptocurrency market and blockchain technologies. This course may be useful for a Cryptocurrency Analyst who wishes to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying technology behind blockchains. The course's focus on Besu and private network implementation can provide a technical understanding of the mechanics of blockchain networks, which is valuable for more in-depth analysis. This provides a practical dimension to the analysis of blockchain technologies.
IT Manager
An IT Manager is responsible for the overall IT strategy of an organization. This course may be helpful to an IT Manager exploring blockchain integrations. The course helps an IT Manager gain insights into how private blockchain networks function, specifically using Besu. The course's practical focus on installing Besu on different networks and setting up private networks provides useful knowledge. This helps IT managers make more informed technology decisions and provides context for blockchain related initiatives.
Research Scientist
A Research Scientist investigates scientific and technological problems. This course may be useful for a Research Scientist interested in exploring blockchain technologies. This course's focus on creating private blockchain networks with Besu equips a researcher with the knowledge to experiment with and analyze blockchain technology. The course provides a foundation in deploying and managing private blockchains which is a useful skill for a researcher. This course can inform academic research into blockchain technology.
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst analyzes financial data and provides insights for decision-making. This course may be helpful for a Financial Analyst interested in the applications of blockchain in finance. Although the course does not focus on financial analysis, it provides a technical understanding of private blockchain networks and transactions, which will give a deeper understanding of the technology's capabilities. Learning about Besu and how to configure networks may equip them to better understand a project. This course may help a financial analyst more deeply understand the technology.
Cybersecurity Specialist
A Cybersecurity Specialist is responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from threats. This course may be helpful for a Cybersecurity Specialist who wishes to learn about the security aspects of private blockchain networks. The course covers the implementation of privacy features with Tessera, which is directly related to the security and privacy of blockchain transactions. This course provides a practical introduction to blockchain security, and may be a useful skill for a cybersecurity professional.
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist analyzes complex data to extract useful insights. This course may be helpful to a Data Scientist who wishes to learn about blockchain data. Although the course does not focus on data analysis, it provides a technical understanding of private blockchain networks and how they operate. Learning about Besu and how to configure networks may equip them to better understand aspects of blockchain data. This adds context to data analysis of blockchains.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software systems. This course may be helpful to software engineers who are expanding skill sets to include blockchain technology. While this course does not focus on software development itself, it provides a foundational understanding of how private blockchain networks are set up and managed. Understanding Besu and the process of creating private networks can be useful for developing blockchain related applications. This course may be a useful tool for a software engineer.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Besu Essentials: Creating a Private Blockchain Network.
Mastering Ethereum provides a comprehensive guide to the Ethereum blockchain, smart contracts, and decentralized applications. It covers topics such as the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), Solidity programming, and various development tools. is particularly useful for understanding the underlying technology that Besu interacts with, and it is commonly used as a reference by blockchain developers.
While this course focuses on Besu, understanding other enterprise blockchain solutions like Hyperledger Fabric can provide valuable context. offers insights into building blockchain solutions for enterprise use cases, covering topics such as network setup, smart contracts, and security considerations. It is more valuable as additional reading to broaden your understanding of the blockchain landscape.

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