Develop a deeper understanding of what's under the hood of blockchain with this technical reference guide on one of the most disruptive modern technologiesKey FeaturesUpdated with four new chapters on consensus algorithms, Ethereum 2.0, tokenization, and enterprise blockchainsLearn about key elements of blockchain theory such as decentralization, cryptography, and consensus protocolsGet to grips with Solidity, Web3, cryptocurrencies, smart contract development and solve scalability, security and privacy issuesDiscover the architecture of different distributed ledger platforms including Ethereum, Bitcoin, Hyperledger Fabric, Hyperledger Sawtooth, Corda and QuorumBook DescriptionBlockchain is the backbone of cryptocurrencies, with applications in finance, government, media, and other industries. With a legacy of providing technologists with executable insights, this new edition of Mastering Blockchain is thoroughly revised and updated to the latest blockchain research with four new chapters on consensus algorithms, Serenity (the update that will introduce Ethereum 2.0), tokenization, and enterprise blockchains.This book covers the basics, including blockchain's technical underpinnings, cryptography and consensus protocols. It also provides you with expert knowledge on decentralization, decentralized application development on Ethereum, Bitcoin, alternative coins, smart contracts, alternative blockchains, and Hyperledger.Further, you will explore blockchain solutions beyond cryptocurrencies such as the Internet of Things with blockchain, enterprise blockchains, tokenization using blockchain, and consider the future scope of this fascinating and disruptive technology.By the end of this book, you will have gained a thorough comprehension of the various facets of blockchain and understand their potential in diverse real-world scenarios.What you will learnGrasp the mechanisms behind Bitcoin, Ethereum, and alternative cryptocurrenciesUnderstand cryptography and its usage in blockchainUnderstand the theoretical foundations of smart contractsDevelop decentralized applications using Solidity, Remix, Truffle, Ganache and DrizzleIdentify and examine applications of blockchain beyond cryptocurrenciesUnderstand the architecture and development of Ethereum 2.0Explore research topics and the future scope of blockchainWho this book is forIf you are a technologist, business executive, a student or an enthusiast who wishes to explore the fascinating world of blockchain technology, smart contracts, decentralized applications and distributed systems then this book is for you. Basic familiarity with a beginner-level command of a programming language would be a plus.Table of ContentsBlockchain 101DecentralizationSymmetric CryptographyPublic Key CryptographyConsensus AlgorithmsIntroducing BitcoinThe Bitcoin Network and PaymentsBitcoin Clients and APIsAlternative CoinsSmart ContractsEthereum 101Further EthereumEthereum Development EnvironmentDevelopment Tools and FrameworksIntroducing Web3SerenityHyperledgerTokenizationBlockchain – Outside of CurrenciesEnterprise BlockchainScalability and Other ChallengesCurrent Landscape and What's Next