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Vincent Gramoli
Blockchain promises to disrupt industries once it will be efficient at large scale. In this course, you will learn how to make blockchain scale. You will learn about the foundational problem of distributed computing, consensus, that is key to create blocks securely. By illustrating limitations of mainstream blockchains, this course will indicate how to improve the technology in terms of security and efficiency.
In particular, this course will help you:
* understand security vulnerabilities of mainstream blockchains;
* design consensus algorithms that tolerate attacks, and;
Read more
Blockchain promises to disrupt industries once it will be efficient at large scale. In this course, you will learn how to make blockchain scale. You will learn about the foundational problem of distributed computing, consensus, that is key to create blocks securely. By illustrating limitations of mainstream blockchains, this course will indicate how to improve the technology in terms of security and efficiency.
In particular, this course will help you:
* understand security vulnerabilities of mainstream blockchains;
* design consensus algorithms that tolerate attacks, and;
Read more
Blockchain promises to disrupt industries once it will be efficient at large scale. In this course, you will learn how to make blockchain scale. You will learn about the foundational problem of distributed computing, consensus, that is key to create blocks securely. By illustrating limitations of mainstream blockchains, this course will indicate how to improve the technology in terms of security and efficiency.
In particular, this course will help you:
* understand security vulnerabilities of mainstream blockchains;
* design consensus algorithms that tolerate attacks, and;
* design scalable blockchain systems.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/rimyob/blockchain
What's inside
Syllabus
Consensus in blockchain
This week, we will start our exploration of the blockchain and its relation to distributed computing. In particular, we will learn the basics on blockchain abstraction and the importance of consensus between machines in order to mitigate the risks of having an attacker spend the same asset twice - an undesirable situation called 'double-spending'.
Read more
Syllabus
Consensus in blockchain
This week, we will start our exploration of the blockchain and its relation to distributed computing. In particular, we will learn the basics on blockchain abstraction and the importance of consensus between machines in order to mitigate the risks of having an attacker spend the same asset twice - an undesirable situation called 'double-spending'.
Read more
Blockchain fundamentals
This week we will learn how classic blockchains try to solve consensus. We will look at the failures and delays blockchain systems must consider, and how these events may prevent machines from reaching consensus.
Consensus fundamentals
This week, we will investigate how to solve the consensus problem. To do this, we will first investigate how to solve consensus when failures cannot occur in the network. Later on, we will learn how to solve consensus when processes may fail, first through crash failures and then when processes can behave arbitrarily.
Making blockchains secure
This week, we will investigate how delays in the network can impact the security of the blockchain. We will illustrate this using network attacks that allow hackers to steal digital assets in the past and that every blockchain designer should be aware of.
Making blockchains scale
This week, we will explore how to design a scalable and secure blockchain algorithm. What makes a blockchain algorithm scalable and secure? To be secure, we need a consensus algorithm that works over the Internet and is not affected by unexpected communication delays. To be scalable, we need to get rid of the bottlenecks.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Develops core skills for computer scientists and engineers
Teaches blockchain algorithms and their security implications
Explores possibilities to scale blockchain technology in industry
Content is backward-looking, not exploring the latest state of the industry
Requires extensive experience with distributed computing
Requires experience with consensus algorithms
Save this course
Save Blockchain Scalability and its Foundations in Distributed Systems to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Blockchain scalability course
Learners say this Blockchain Scalability and its Foundations in Distributed Systems course is a well-structured learning experience that gives beginners a solid understanding of blockchain and its relation to distributed systems. However, those without a background in IT may find the language hard to follow and may need additional materials. Despite this, the course is research-oriented and will teach you real-world applications for the technology. You will find the content clearly presented with visuals and examples that help make the concepts relatable. The course is recommended for learners of all ages who are interested in this subject.
Diagrams and examples make concepts relatable.
"The worked examples in the lectures were very useful in solidifying my understanding..."
"Diagrams and examples. I have learned more about distributed system challenges and solutions for them."
"Clear structuring of the course makes any new learner understand and catch up with distributed computing on blockchain."
Instructor is knowledgeable and explains concepts well.
"Thank you for the insightful course on blockchain scalability and distributed systems."
"In my opinion this course is very interesting obout blockchain securtity, the instructor is really focus in the subject of course and explain very very well."
Well-structured learning experience.
"This course is well explained and very useful for one who is at any level in the blockchain space."
"This course has helped me to grasp the fundamentals of blockchain and how it is related to the theory of distributed systems."
"This is a great course if you are a seeking a deeper understanding about Blockchain and its challenging. It is well structured and contains good presentations to help students understand the topics covered."
Provides a solid understanding of blockchain fundamentals.
"Learned more about distributed system challenges and solutions for them."
"The foundational elements of this course were indeed useful..."
"This course is recommended for students interested in blockchain!"
Difficult for those without prior IT knowledge.
"I'm sorry, but as a business management student without IT background, I rather say that the language is a little bit to hard..."
"This is not even for beginners, it directly take you for consensus with basic understanding of blockchain"
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 Blockchain Scalability and its Foundations in Distributed Systems with these
activities:
Blockchain Fundamentals Overview
Show steps
Review the foundational concepts of blockchain and distributed computing to lay a solid foundation for the course.
Browse courses on
Blockchain Fundamentals
Show steps
-
Read course syllabus and preview week 1 materials
-
Research blockchain and distributed computing concepts online
-
Summarize key concepts in your own words
Connect with experienced blockchain developers
Show steps
Reaching out to and connecting with experienced blockchain developers can provide you with invaluable insights into the industry, career paths, best practices, and potential project ideas.
Browse courses on
Blockchain Development
Show steps
-
Identify potential mentors through online platforms, industry events, or personal connections.
-
Reach out to them with a clear and concise message expressing your interest in connecting.
-
Be respectful of their time and ask specific questions that align with your learning goals.
-
Follow up periodically to maintain the connection and seek their guidance.
Read 'Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin is Changing Money, Business, and the World' by Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology, including its history, applications, and potential impact on various industries. Reading it will give you a strong foundation for understanding the concepts covered in this course.
View
Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book in its entirety, taking notes as you go.
-
Summarize the key concepts of blockchain technology in your own words.
-
Identify the potential applications of blockchain technology in various industries.
-
Discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with blockchain technology.
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Attend a workshop on blockchain security
Show steps
Attending a workshop on blockchain security will provide you with insights into the potential vulnerabilities and threats to blockchain systems and how to mitigate them.
Browse courses on
Blockchain Security
Show steps
-
Identify a relevant workshop and register for it.
-
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the discussions.
-
Take notes and ask questions to enhance your understanding.
-
Follow up with the organizers or speakers after the workshop to clarify any questions or explore further learning opportunities.
Blockchain Discussion Group
Show steps
Participate in peer discussions to exchange ideas, ask questions, and share experiences related to blockchain technology.
Show steps
-
Join a blockchain discussion group online or in person
-
Initiate or participate in discussions on blockchain topics
-
Share knowledge and insights with other participants
Join a study group to discuss the course material
Show steps
Participating in a study group will provide you with opportunities to engage with your peers, clarify your understanding of the course material, and reinforce your knowledge.
Show steps
-
Find or form a study group with classmates.
-
Establish regular meeting times and stick to them.
-
Come prepared to each meeting by reviewing the assigned material and preparing questions.
-
Actively participate in discussions and ask questions.
Consensus Algorithm Simulation
Show steps
Practice implementing and simulating consensus algorithms to reinforce understanding of their operation.
Browse courses on
Consensus Algorithms
Show steps
-
Choose a consensus algorithm to implement
-
Write code to simulate the algorithm
-
Run simulations with different scenarios
-
Analyze results and compare algorithms
Solve practice problems on consensus algorithms
Show steps
Solving practice problems will help you develop a deeper understanding of how consensus algorithms work and how to apply them to real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on
Consensus
Show steps
-
Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
-
Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
-
Check your solutions against the provided answers or ask for help from a tutor or online forum.
Scalable Blockchain Design Tutorial
Show steps
Follow guided tutorials to explore advanced techniques for designing and implementing scalable blockchain systems.
Show steps
-
Identify reputable resources for blockchain scalability
-
Follow tutorials on sharding, off-chain solutions, and consensus optimizations
-
Experiment with scalable blockchain design patterns
Create a diagram or infographic that explains a specific blockchain algorithm
Show steps
Creating a diagram or infographic will help you visualize and understand the details of a specific blockchain algorithm.
Browse courses on
Consensus Algorithms
Show steps
-
Choose a blockchain algorithm to focus on.
-
Research the algorithm and gather information about its components and how it works.
-
Create a diagram or infographic that clearly explains the algorithm.
-
Share your diagram or infographic with others or publish it online.
Blockchain Security Analysis Report
Show steps
Write a report analyzing security vulnerabilities in blockchain systems and propose solutions to mitigate them.
Browse courses on
Blockchain Security
Show steps
-
Research common blockchain security vulnerabilities
-
Analyze potential attacks and their impact
-
Propose technical solutions to address vulnerabilities
-
Write and submit a comprehensive report
Build a simple blockchain application using a provided framework
Show steps
Building a simple blockchain application will give you hands-on experience with the practical implementation of blockchain technology.
Browse courses on
Blockchain Development
Show steps
-
Choose a blockchain framework and learn its basics.
-
Design and develop a simple blockchain application using the framework.
-
Test and deploy your application.
-
Document your application and share it with others.
Contribute to an Open-Source Blockchain Project
Show steps
Make practical contributions to a real-world blockchain project to gain hands-on experience and deepen understanding.
Browse courses on
Blockchain Development
Show steps
-
Identify an open-source blockchain project to contribute to
-
Review the project's documentation and codebase
-
Propose or identify an area for contribution
-
Implement and submit your contribution
Blockchain Fundamentals Overview
Show steps
Review the foundational concepts of blockchain and distributed computing to lay a solid foundation for the course.
Browse courses on
Blockchain Fundamentals
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read course syllabus and preview week 1 materials
- Research blockchain and distributed computing concepts online
- Summarize key concepts in your own words
Connect with experienced blockchain developers
Show steps
Reaching out to and connecting with experienced blockchain developers can provide you with invaluable insights into the industry, career paths, best practices, and potential project ideas.
Browse courses on
Blockchain Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify potential mentors through online platforms, industry events, or personal connections.
- Reach out to them with a clear and concise message expressing your interest in connecting.
- Be respectful of their time and ask specific questions that align with your learning goals.
- Follow up periodically to maintain the connection and seek their guidance.
Read 'Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin is Changing Money, Business, and the World' by Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology, including its history, applications, and potential impact on various industries. Reading it will give you a strong foundation for understanding the concepts covered in this course.
View
Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book in its entirety, taking notes as you go.
- Summarize the key concepts of blockchain technology in your own words.
- Identify the potential applications of blockchain technology in various industries.
- Discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with blockchain technology.
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Attend a workshop on blockchain security
Show steps
Attending a workshop on blockchain security will provide you with insights into the potential vulnerabilities and threats to blockchain systems and how to mitigate them.
Browse courses on
Blockchain Security
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a relevant workshop and register for it.
- Attend the workshop and actively participate in the discussions.
- Take notes and ask questions to enhance your understanding.
- Follow up with the organizers or speakers after the workshop to clarify any questions or explore further learning opportunities.
Blockchain Discussion Group
Show steps
Participate in peer discussions to exchange ideas, ask questions, and share experiences related to blockchain technology.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join a blockchain discussion group online or in person
- Initiate or participate in discussions on blockchain topics
- Share knowledge and insights with other participants
Join a study group to discuss the course material
Show steps
Participating in a study group will provide you with opportunities to engage with your peers, clarify your understanding of the course material, and reinforce your knowledge.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find or form a study group with classmates.
- Establish regular meeting times and stick to them.
- Come prepared to each meeting by reviewing the assigned material and preparing questions.
- Actively participate in discussions and ask questions.
Consensus Algorithm Simulation
Show steps
Practice implementing and simulating consensus algorithms to reinforce understanding of their operation.
Browse courses on
Consensus Algorithms
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a consensus algorithm to implement
- Write code to simulate the algorithm
- Run simulations with different scenarios
- Analyze results and compare algorithms
Solve practice problems on consensus algorithms
Show steps
Solving practice problems will help you develop a deeper understanding of how consensus algorithms work and how to apply them to real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on
Consensus
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
- Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
- Check your solutions against the provided answers or ask for help from a tutor or online forum.
Scalable Blockchain Design Tutorial
Show steps
Follow guided tutorials to explore advanced techniques for designing and implementing scalable blockchain systems.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable resources for blockchain scalability
- Follow tutorials on sharding, off-chain solutions, and consensus optimizations
- Experiment with scalable blockchain design patterns
Create a diagram or infographic that explains a specific blockchain algorithm
Show steps
Creating a diagram or infographic will help you visualize and understand the details of a specific blockchain algorithm.
Browse courses on
Consensus Algorithms
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a blockchain algorithm to focus on.
- Research the algorithm and gather information about its components and how it works.
- Create a diagram or infographic that clearly explains the algorithm.
- Share your diagram or infographic with others or publish it online.
Blockchain Security Analysis Report
Show steps
Write a report analyzing security vulnerabilities in blockchain systems and propose solutions to mitigate them.
Browse courses on
Blockchain Security
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research common blockchain security vulnerabilities
- Analyze potential attacks and their impact
- Propose technical solutions to address vulnerabilities
- Write and submit a comprehensive report
Build a simple blockchain application using a provided framework
Show steps
Building a simple blockchain application will give you hands-on experience with the practical implementation of blockchain technology.
Browse courses on
Blockchain Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a blockchain framework and learn its basics.
- Design and develop a simple blockchain application using the framework.
- Test and deploy your application.
- Document your application and share it with others.
Contribute to an Open-Source Blockchain Project
Show steps
Make practical contributions to a real-world blockchain project to gain hands-on experience and deepen understanding.
Browse courses on
Blockchain Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an open-source blockchain project to contribute to
- Review the project's documentation and codebase
- Propose or identify an area for contribution
- Implement and submit your contribution
Career center
Learners who complete Blockchain Scalability and its Foundations in Distributed Systems will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Blockchain Engineer
Blockchain Engineer
Similar to Blockchain Developers, Blockchain Engineers build and maintain blockchain systems. Due to the high level of technical expertise required, most Blockchain Engineers hold a master's or PhD. This course may be very helpful for someone looking to enter this field, as it will help you to understand the foundational problem of distributed computing and how to design scalable blockchain systems.
Blockchain Developer
Blockchain Developer
Blockchain Developers build, implement, and manage blockchains for businesses and organizations. This course may help you build a foundation in the fundamentals of blockchains, allowing you to understand the security vulnerabilities of mainstream blockchains. Furthermore, by learning how to design consensus algorithms to tolerate attacks, you will be able to create more secure and efficient blockchain systems.
Software Architect
Software Architect
Software Architects design and develop software systems. They use their knowledge of software engineering principles to ensure that systems are reliable, scalable, and secure. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Software Architects, as it will help you to understand how to design scalable and secure blockchain systems.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems. They use their knowledge of systems analysis and design techniques to ensure that systems meet the needs of users. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Systems Analysts, as it will help you to understand how to design scalable and secure blockchain systems.
Risk Manager
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify and assess risks to organizations. They use their knowledge of risk management techniques to develop and implement strategies to mitigate risks. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Risk Managers, as it will help you to understand the security vulnerabilities of mainstream blockchains and how to design secure consensus algorithms.
Network Administrator
Network Administrator
Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. They use their knowledge of networking technologies to ensure that networks are reliable and secure. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Network Administrators, as it will help you to understand the security vulnerabilities of mainstream blockchains and how to design secure consensus algorithms.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts protect organizations from cyber attacks. They use their knowledge of computer systems and networks to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Information Security Analysts, as it will help you to understand the security vulnerabilities of mainstream blockchains and how to design secure consensus algorithms.
Software Developer
Software Developer
Software Developers design, develop, and test software applications. They use their knowledge of programming languages and software development tools to create software that meets the needs of users. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Software Developers, as it will help you to understand the security vulnerabilities of mainstream blockchains and how to design secure consensus algorithms.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analysts identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks. They use their knowledge of computer systems and networks to protect organizations from cyber attacks. This course may be useful for students interested in Cybersecurity, as it will help you to understand the security vulnerabilities of mainstream blockchains and how to design secure consensus algorithms.
Cryptographer
Cryptographer
Cryptographers develop and implement cryptographic algorithms to protect information from unauthorized access. They use a variety of mathematical techniques to design codes and ciphers that are resistant to attack. This course may be helpful for those interested in becoming Cryptographers, as it will help you understand some of the core concepts of cryptography.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers oversee the development and launch of new products. They use their knowledge of marketing and product development to ensure that products meet the needs of customers. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Product Managers, as it will help you to understand how to design scalable and secure blockchain systems.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They use a variety of statistical and machine learning techniques to analyze data and make predictions. This course may be helpful for those interested in becoming Data Scientists, as it will help you to understand how to design scalable and secure blockchain systems.
Management Consultant
Management Consultant
Management Consultants help organizations improve their performance. They use their knowledge of business and management to identify and solve problems. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Management Consultants, as it will help you to understand how to design scalable and secure blockchain systems.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts provide financial advice to individuals and organizations. They use their knowledge of financial markets and economics to help clients make investment decisions. This course may be helpful for those interested in becoming Financial Analysts, as it will help you to understand the security vulnerabilities of mainstream blockchains and how to design secure consensus algorithms.
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze financial data. They use their findings to make investment decisions and develop trading strategies. This course may be helpful for those interested in becoming Quantitative Analysts, as it will help you to understand how to design scalable and secure blockchain systems.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/rimyob/blockchain
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
Blockchain Scalability and its Foundations in Distributed Systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology, including its history, architecture, and applications.
Save
Comprehensive guide to the Bitcoin blockchain, covering everything from its history and architecture to its technical implementation.
Provides an in-depth look at the distributed systems principles that underpin blockchain technologies.
Hands-on guide to blockchain development, covering everything from setting up a development environment to building and deploying blockchain applications.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology, covering everything from its history and architecture to its technical implementation.
Save
Complete guide to the Ethereum blockchain, covering everything from its history and architecture to its technical implementation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology and its potential impact on various industries.
Provides a high-level overview of blockchain technology and its potential impact on various industries.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/rimyob/blockchain
Share
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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
The University of Sydney
Instructor
Vincent Gramoli
Language
English
Transcripts
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Good to know
Develops core skills for computer scientists and engineers
Teaches blockchain algorithms and their security implications
Explores possibilities to scale blockchain technology in industry
Content is backward-looking, not exploring the latest state of the industry
Requires extensive experience with distributed computing
Requires experience with consensus algorithms
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