While making GeekForge — a daily listing of interesting coding tasks — we’ve researched several sources where you can learn blockchain development, and we thought it would be a good idea to share this list with you.
Blockchain technology was invented over a decade ago by the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto, but only in 2017 had it come into the mainstream when the Bitcoin price speculatively went up to almost $20,000 for one coin. Cryptocurrency trading made some individuals wealthy, however, being involved in any type of trading activity requires a certain set of skills that are not necessarily tied to the technology itself.
As a developer, regardless of the cryptocurrency market activity with its particular coins, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, the underlying technology could itself be a goldmine. The salaries for blockchain engineers are skyrocketing and they’re not giving any sign of stopping anytime soon. It shouldn’t be a surprise, given the financial benefits, that a business can integrate blockchain functionality into its software.
Below, I handpicked the best resources for you to get started or strengthen your knowledge about blockchain technology. Everything from pure theory to general presentations, coding tasks, and even a Netflix documentary, it’s all ready for you to check out right now!
1) The Basics of Blockchain: Ethereum, Bitcoin, & More at Udemy
TED Talks speaker Bettina Warburg connects the dots between the business, economics, and technology of the blockchain.
2) Learn Blockchain from OneMonth
This free mini-course explains the basics of Bitcoin and the powerful technology that it’s built on, the blockchain.
3) Daily email list of blockchain coding tasks from GeekForge
You can solve tasks independently or discuss them with the community. It’s the best way to educate yourself on new technology and build a portfolio of your completed tasks.
4) Blockchain: Foundations and Use Cases at Coursera
This course is the definitive introduction to the blockchain for both the developer and non-developer audience.
5) Blockchain Learning Center at Codementor
A collection of curated resources to help you learn blockchain programming and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in blockchain technology.
6) Blockchain Deep Fundamentals from Ivan on Tech Academy
This course is for anyone who wants to get a firm understanding of how blockchain technology works.
7) Blockchain: Beyond the Basics at Lynda.com
Learn about the blockchain and the implications of decentralized, encrypted data storage for business and society in this course with Dr. Jonathan Reichental.
8) “Mastering Bitcoin: Programming the Open Blockchain” at Amazon
Mastering Bitcoin is your guide through the seemingly complex world of cryptocurrency, providing the knowledge you need to participate in the Internet of money.
9) “Blockchain Revolution” at Amazon
This book also explains the different ways in which blockchain technology is changing the future of transactions, money, and business.
10) Introduction to Digital Currencies from University of Nicosia
The course is taught by Andreas Antonopoulos and Antonis Polemitis and covers both a technical overview of decentralized digital currencies, as well as their broader economic, legal, and financial context.
11) Bitcoin: What is it? at Khan Academy
The free course consists of nine extensive videos that talk about Bitcoin, Bitcoin’s blockchain, Bitcoin transactions, the POW consensus mechanism, and more.
12) Bitcoin 101 at Cognitive Class
Learn the fundamentals of this exciting new digital payment system, explained in layman’s terms so it will be easy for anyone to understand.
13) Cryptocurrency class from Stanford University
This class will provide an overview of the rapidly evolving area of distributed ledger and blockchain technologies, with a focus on economic and strategic issues.
14) Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies class from Princeton University
After this course, you’ll know everything you need to be able to separate fact from fiction when reading claims about Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
15) Introduction to Ethereum for Developers at B9lab
This course will teach you about the underlying concepts of the blockchain and show you how Ethereum works and how you can get involved.
16) Banking on Bitcoin on Netflix
Featuring interviews with enthusiasts and experts, this documentary covers Bitcoin’s roots, its future, and the technology that makes it tick.
The blockchain is neither new nor old; it’s just getting started. Joining the technological revolution is as easy as accessing any of the resources listed above. Where do you want to start? Binge watch a video series on how the blockchain can change the world, go past the fundamentals on the “Mastering Bitcoin” reading, or just sign yourself in for the daily tasks on GeekForge. Any of these options are better than doing nothing.