10 Best Books for Blockchain Developers in 2019
Contents
- Mastering Bitcoin, by Andreas Antonopoulos
- Blockchain Basics, by Daniel Drescher
- Programming Bitcoin: Learn How to Program Bitcoin from Scratch, by Jimmy Song
- That Book on Blockchain: A One-Hour Intro, by Jonathan B Morley
- Mastering Ethereum, by Andreas Antonopoulos and Gavin Wood
- Attack of the 50 Foot Blockchain, by David Gerard
- Blockchain: Blueprint for a New Economy, by Melanie Swan
- Blockchain for Dummies, by Tiana Laurence
- Beginning Ethereum and Solidity Smart Contracts, by Greg Lim
- The Book of Satoshi, by Jeff Berwick
If you are tired of trying to learn about Blockchain from random YouTube videos, you might consider picking a book that is written by a knowledgeable expert. U.Today has carefully picked the 10 best books on Blockchain for different types of readers — from absolute beginners who cannot tell the difference between Bitcoin and Blockchain to experienced developers with a penchant for self-improvement.
Mastering Bitcoin, by Andreas Antonopoulos
Bitcoin Core developer Andreas Antonopoulos is one of the most influential voices in the cryptocurrency space. His book Mastering Bitcoin, which was first published back in 2014, is a must-read book for everyone in crypto – from absolute beginners to seasoned Blockchain programmers.
Image by commons.wikimedia
At first, the book offers you some basic information about Bitcoin and Blockchain, the technology that underpins the world’s first cryptocurrency. The first couple of chapters are written in a beginner-friendly language, which would make it easy to grasp the gist even for those who know next to nothing about cryptocurrencies.
Gradually, Mastering Bitcoin is diving into the complex technical details of Bitcoin. Hence, the book is not a good fit for readers without any programming background (although, all explanations are very clear). You are required to have at least some knowledge of Python and C++.
Gradually, Mastering Bitcoin is diving into the complex technical details of Bitcoin. Hence, the book is not a good fit for readers without any programming background (although, all explanations are very clear). You are required to have at least some knowledge of Python and C++.
Blockchain Basics, by Daniel Drescher
Blockchain Basics, as the name suggests, is a book that serves as an introduction to Blockchain technology. You won’t find confusing mathematical formulas or long code lines – Daniel Drescher, the book’s author, came up with a non-technical description of Blockchain in order to make it as approachable as possible for the average Joe.
You don’t need any background in Mathematics or Computer Science in order to lay your hands on this book since everything is explained with the help of images and analogies.
The book is structured in a good way – it is divided into 25 succinct chapters that build up the understanding of the highly complex technology.
Another peculiarity of this particular book is that Bitcoin is not its focal point. Bitcoin is always the elephant in the room that you cannot ignore, but Blockchain Basics masterfully stays away from it.
The book is structured in a good way – it is divided into 25 succinct chapters that build up the understanding of the highly complex technology.
Another peculiarity of this particular book is that Bitcoin is not its focal point. Bitcoin is always the elephant in the room that you cannot ignore, but Blockchain Basics masterfully stays away from it.
Programming Bitcoin: Learn How to Program Bitcoin from Scratch, by Jimmy Song
You have to be a tech-savvy reader in order to take full advantage of Jimmy Song’s book. It is recommended as a logical follow-up to Mastering Bitcoin that will allow you to dig deeper into the technical details of the cryptocurrency that started it all.
Obviously, a good command of Python is a must for successfully navigating through Mastering Bitcoin. Song will teach you all basic concepts that are necessary for programming a Bitcoin library (blocks, transaction, etc.).
Those patient readers who will manage to go through the whole 322-page book will be able to get an in-depth understanding of how Bitcoin works.
As an educator who himself teaches new Bitcoin developers, Song offers a step-by-step guide to learning Bitcoin, Blockchain, and cryptocurrencies.
Obviously, a good command of Python is a must for successfully navigating through Mastering Bitcoin. Song will teach you all basic concepts that are necessary for programming a Bitcoin library (blocks, transaction, etc.).
Those patient readers who will manage to go through the whole 322-page book will be able to get an in-depth understanding of how Bitcoin works.
As an educator who himself teaches new Bitcoin developers, Song offers a step-by-step guide to learning Bitcoin, Blockchain, and cryptocurrencies.
That Book on Blockchain: A One-Hour Intro, by Jonathan B Morley
There are really fast learners, and That Book on Blockchain: A One-Hour Intro definitely taps right into that category. Software engineers Jonathan Morley embraced a hard challenge – he promises to teach you the Blockchain basics in just one hour.
While this claim might seem unrealistic (despite the book’s modest 106-page size), it is praised for its ability to explain Blockchain in a very brief manner.
The author successfully managed to shoehorn the advantages and disadvantages of Blockchain, its technical overview, and potential use cases into one tiny book, which is not an easy feat.
This book is for beginner-level developers who want to learn about the modus operandi of Blockchain in no time, but your understanding of the technology will be very superficial.
While this claim might seem unrealistic (despite the book’s modest 106-page size), it is praised for its ability to explain Blockchain in a very brief manner.
The author successfully managed to shoehorn the advantages and disadvantages of Blockchain, its technical overview, and potential use cases into one tiny book, which is not an easy feat.
This book is for beginner-level developers who want to learn about the modus operandi of Blockchain in no time, but your understanding of the technology will be very superficial.
image by maxpixel.net
Mastering Ethereum, by Andreas Antonopoulos and Gavin Wood
In case you liked Mastering Bitcoin (we bet you did), there is one more book written by Antonopolous that deserves to appear on your reading list – Mastering Ethereum. This another go-to guide was written in collaboration with Ethereum co-founder Gavin Wood.
Again, this book should be considered regardless of your level of Blockchain expertise. Although it contains significantly more technical stuff compared to Mastering Bitcoin, even uninitiated readers will be able to understand the general idea because of the way Antonopolous masterfully explains seemingly complex issues.
In essence, the book encompasses everything that you need to know about one of the biggest cryptocurrency projects that also created a $12.2 bln ecosystem. From smart contracts to dApps — Mastering Ethereum covers all the basics of the Ethereum network.
You will have a hard time finding a job as a Blockchain programmer without understanding Ethereum, which is why this book should end up on your shelf.
Again, this book should be considered regardless of your level of Blockchain expertise. Although it contains significantly more technical stuff compared to Mastering Bitcoin, even uninitiated readers will be able to understand the general idea because of the way Antonopolous masterfully explains seemingly complex issues.
In essence, the book encompasses everything that you need to know about one of the biggest cryptocurrency projects that also created a $12.2 bln ecosystem. From smart contracts to dApps — Mastering Ethereum covers all the basics of the Ethereum network.
You will have a hard time finding a job as a Blockchain programmer without understanding Ethereum, which is why this book should end up on your shelf.
Attack of the 50 Foot Blockchain, by David Gerard
While Blockchain is perceived by many enthusiasts as the next Internet, Attack of the 50 Foot Blockchain, which was written by an award-winning journalist David Gerard, is definitely a sobering experience. Gerard offers an alternative opinion on Blockchain technology, showing some pain points that might prevent its mainstream adoption.
While the author’s tongue-in-cheek style might seem out of place, the book actually contains through research. By presenting cold facts, it calls into question the ability of Blockchain to leave a dent in the world.
The book doesn’t focus on any technical aspects of Blockchain but is an excellent read for everyone who wants to enhance their knowledge and examine the matter from a different perspective.
While the author’s tongue-in-cheek style might seem out of place, the book actually contains through research. By presenting cold facts, it calls into question the ability of Blockchain to leave a dent in the world.
The book doesn’t focus on any technical aspects of Blockchain but is an excellent read for everyone who wants to enhance their knowledge and examine the matter from a different perspective.
Blockchain: Blueprint for a New Economy, by Melanie Swan
The book lacks technical details, which might be obviously underwhelming for Blockchain developers. At first blush, it might seem like a perfect read for non-technical people who are only dabbling with the new technology, but it might also be useful for developers who want to find out more about the range of opportunities that Blockchain can offer.
Plenty of industries beyond the financial sector are already betting on Blockchain:
Plenty of industries beyond the financial sector are already betting on Blockchain:
- Energy
- Property management
- Healthcare
- Education
If you are part of the industry, you might want to know how Blockchain will reshape the future. Hence, developers will know how vital the domains of potential for their skills are.
Melanie Swan, the book’s author who spearheads the Institute for Blockchain studies, faced some criticism for describing a fiction, but the disruptive potential of the bleeding-edge technology cannot be denied.
Melanie Swan, the book’s author who spearheads the Institute for Blockchain studies, faced some criticism for describing a fiction, but the disruptive potential of the bleeding-edge technology cannot be denied.
Blockchain for Dummies, by Tiana Laurence
Blockchain for Dummies is yet one more book that can serve as a springboard for beginner-level developers. There are hardly any chapters devoted to programming aspects, but this book amazingly shows the potential of Blockchain while dishing all possible applications of Blockchain to different businesses.
This is not the first option for those who want to have a deep understanding of the Blockchain technology. In her pursuit for the most comprehensible explanation of Blockchain, she fails to define some of the basic terms that are associated with the technology, such as "Merkle trees" and "scalability". Thus, you should avoid Blockchain for Dummies if you are, well, not a complete dummy.
This is not the first option for those who want to have a deep understanding of the Blockchain technology. In her pursuit for the most comprehensible explanation of Blockchain, she fails to define some of the basic terms that are associated with the technology, such as "Merkle trees" and "scalability". Thus, you should avoid Blockchain for Dummies if you are, well, not a complete dummy.
image by flickr.com
Beginning Ethereum and Solidity Smart Contracts, by Greg Lim
If you are looking for an Ethereum developer’s cookbook, this might be the right choice. The book will guide you through the process of writing and managing Ethereum-based smart contracts and dApps that are written with the help of a programming language called Solidity.
The book is written by Greg Lim, an experienced technology expert who has already written a couple of other programming books.
It is one of the very books on the market that solely deals with Solidity without dealing with any other popular technologies.
Lim’s approach is to present the most relevant information without wasting his readers’ time. He promises that you will be able to build your first Ethereum smart contract “within minutes,” proving that brevity is the soul of wit.
The book is written by Greg Lim, an experienced technology expert who has already written a couple of other programming books.
It is one of the very books on the market that solely deals with Solidity without dealing with any other popular technologies.
Lim’s approach is to present the most relevant information without wasting his readers’ time. He promises that you will be able to build your first Ethereum smart contract “within minutes,” proving that brevity is the soul of wit.
The Book of Satoshi, by Jeff Berwick
The last book on our list is written by none other than Satoshi Nakamoto himself. It contains the complete collection of writings by the elusive Bitcoin creator whose real identity remains unknown up to this day.
The book is primarily aimed at tech-savvy cryptocurrency enthusiasts who want to go beyond the Bitcoin white paper, but it will probably be interesting for readers with any professional background.
It’s tempting to think that the book doesn’t represent any value since it is written based on public domain content, but its careful structuring and the author’s insightful comments make an easy buy.
The book is primarily aimed at tech-savvy cryptocurrency enthusiasts who want to go beyond the Bitcoin white paper, but it will probably be interesting for readers with any professional background.
It’s tempting to think that the book doesn’t represent any value since it is written based on public domain content, but its careful structuring and the author’s insightful comments make an easy buy.
Cover image via 123rf.com
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It has begun! Bitcoin is rushing up at a tremendous pace, do you want your ticket to the moon? Today's events around the main cryptocurrency talk about the market’s unpredictability. Only in the last 7 days, Bitcoin added $4,500 in price, and in the last 24 hours lost a third of this amount. With such fluctuations, even crypto enthusiasts should be careful. But, if many people use cryptocurrencies as a speculative asset, then the blockchain technology brings real positive benefits to society, albeit not in their original form. We want to talk about how to make money on the blockchain because this is a much less risky undertaking.
How blockchain became a guideline for investment
Blockchain, without a doubt, has become a revolutionary technology that can be applied in all branches of human life. Already, many huge companies use blockchains to simplify many internal processes: from reducing insurance payments to product quality control. The head of Medici Ventures, Jonathan Johnson, said the following about the blockchain:
We see what the blockchain does to transfer funds the same way that the Internet did to transmit information, and we want to be at the head of this wave of innovation and change.
Of course, the blockchain-related processes affect the stock price of a company, especially when the application of technology grows. Therefore, against the backdrop of an insane cryptocurrency market, investing in the stocks of companies that are actively introducing blockchain into their services seems to us an excellent little risky way to make a profit.
7 best stocks to watch in 2019
We analyzed large companies that actively use the blockchain in their services, and selected some of the best in our opinion. In fairness, it’s worth noting that there’s a large number of promising stocks and describing everything is not enough for an entire book, because almost all giants implement the technology into their processes. Here are our favourites.
IBM [NASDAQ: IBM]
- Founded: 1911
- Capitalization: $122 billion
- Stock price: $139
IBM can be called the pioneer of blockchain technology among large companies. Although its leadership in the IT field is unlikely to return, IBM is actively moving toward blockchain-related projects, which number already exceed 500. Of the clearly successful services, CLSNet can be distinguished, which is used for making payments. The other one is IBM Food Trust — a special service designed for Walmart, designed to simplify product quality control.
Image by TradingView
It's all about the platform Hyperledger Fabric, which allows creating blockchain-related products. IBM is a kind of Bitcoin among companies using blockchain technology. Therefore, the company's stocks will definitely be the right choice to replenish the investment portfolio.
IBM stocks show growth for 3 weeks in a row, and there have been no significant corrections. At the moment, the stock price is in the corridor of $138-140. If the upward movement continues, we can expect an update of the annual maximum of $145. Moving averages indicate that now is the best time to buy IBM stocks.
Alibaba Group [NASDAQ: BABA]
- Founded: 1999
- Capitalization: $440 billion
- Share price: $170
Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba is almost as good as IBM. Their Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform also allows creating solutions based on technology. Alibaba is actively developing and after the start of cooperation with the American and European markets, the stock price has crept up.
Image by TradingView
Also, it’s relatively well known that the company is investing in cryptocurrency projects, for example, Tron. Despite the official attitude of the Chinese authorities towards cryptocurrencies, Alibaba doesn’t stop its blockchain-related services, and that says something.
Today, the price of Alibaba stocks is around $170. Throughout June, there was a gradual increase after the May fall, caused by the intensification of the trade war between the United States and China. Against the background of the latest news, it’s possible to make a forecast about the subsequent rise in stock price, technical indicators also speak in favour of this theory.
Accenture [NASDAQ: ACN]
- Founded: 1989
- Capitalization: $123 billion
- Stock price: $184
Accenture is the largest consulting company with a staff of 450 thousand people. The company actively implements blockchain-related services to speed up business processes and increase the efficiency of business outsourcing and logistics processes.
Image by TradingView
Company stocks have grown in price all throughout 2019 with two minor corrections. Now, the stock price has reached $184. The movement of the course and technical indicators are talking about another correction. It may be a good time to enter the market.
Overstock [NASDAQ: OSTK]
- Founded: 1999
- Capitalization: $470 million
- Stock price: $14
One of the largest online retailers in the United States. Overstock, also knowns as O.co, from 2013 began to support the cryptocurrency idea and accept Bitcoin as means of payment. The company manages the tZERO exchange, which for many years has been at the blockchain revolution forefront and has been working closely with regulators since 2015. The company has released the world's first alternative trading system for blockchain assets, which meets SEC requirements, as well as the first issue of bonds using the blockchain and the world's first security on the blockchain.
Image by TradingView
Now may be the best time to buy Overstock stocks, because the last time the price was this low was about 3 years ago. Today, the company's stocks are trading around $14. All technical indicators point to a further increase in asset prices.
SAP [NASDAQ: SAP]
- Founded: 1972
- Capitalization: $160 billion
- Stock price: $135
SAP is a software development company for organizations. Their solutions are applied in 25 business sectors. Of course, it’s impossible to attribute the company to the leaders in implementing blockchain technology because of its size, however, with such a capitalization, SAP plays an important role in popularizing the blockchain.
Image by TradingView
If you look at the SAP stock price charts, you can see steady growth over 6 months. At the beginning of 2019, the company's stock price was $96, whereas today it’s already $135. The price set an all-time historical maximum.
Mastercard [NASDAQ: MA]
- Founded: 1966
- Capitalization: $266 billion
- Stock price: $260
The company doesn’t require a special presentation, as well as its type of activity. Mastercard is actively developing blockchain-related solutions to improve customer service. The main tasks are speeding up transactions, reducing commissions, but the main thing is to increase the level of service security.
Image by TradingView
As with many of the listed assets, Mastercard shares in 2019 steadily climb up. Having pushed off from the bottom of $176 at the end of 2018, the price has already reached $262, practically without being subjected to falls and corrections. Most of the technical indicators show the prospects and growth of the asset in the future.
Hitachi [NASDAQ: HTHIF]
- Founded: 1910
- Capitalization: $34.4 billion
- Stock price: $36
The company is one of the founders of the Hyperledger consortium and the project and also collaborates with the Tech Bureau using the NEM-based Mijin blockchain-based management tool, whose number of customers is 150 million.
Image by TradingView
Hitachi shares showed excellent growth over the past year, adding 478%. At the beginning of autumn 2018, the price soared from $6 to $33, and today it’s in the area of $36. Growth continues today.
Other popular blockchain stocks
Speaking globally, stocks of giant companies are always stable. We would like to add another small list of those, but in a shorter format:
- Visa — an analogue of a Mastercard and the use of the blockchain is similar.
- Bank of America — the owner of a huge number of blockchain patents, along with IBM.
- Microsoft — are part of the Hyperledger consortium.
- Samsung — developing its own blockchain.
- Metlife — an insurance company using blockchain-related customer service.
- NASDAQ — being an exchange, it actively uses technology to speed up transactions and minimize commissions.
- Nestle — a food company that uses blockchain to improve logistics processes.
Conclusion
As you can see, investing in cryptocurrencies can have a slightly different look than buying Bitcoin or alts. Moreover, investing in the use of technology blockchain looks much more stable and less risky, especially looking at the events of today's market. Of course, profits will not be so big, but the chances of losing capital are much lower.
You can buy the company stocks described by us, or you can search for your own ways. Today, the use of blockchain-related services is not a novelty or something unique but has become a part of everyday life. Thank Satoshi for that.
Cover image via www.123rf.com
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