Blockchain: The Beginners Guide To Understanding The Technology Behind Bitcoin & Cryptocurrency (The Future of Money)

It's 47 pages so it's short and doesn't take long to read. Focus is on cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin and others). I was surprised that there are a number of cryptocurrencies, maybe 50 or so, since I had previously only heard of Bitcoin. The software underlying Bitcoin was developed by Satoshi Nakamoto, and no one seems to know whether this is an alias for one person or a group. The software developed by Satoshi Nakamoto comes out of online group whose special interest was cryptography. The idea for Bitcoin at least is that all transactions must be transparent (I think that each transaction using Bitcoin is a block and all blocks are strung together in a chain - hence, blockchain) and each transaction is recorded on a distributed ledger with persons known as "miners" verifying the validity of each transaction. If the "miners" successfully verify the legitimacy of the transaction (remember, this is with software with a cryptographic bent), then the miners are awarded part of the value of the Bitcoin for their efforts. The verification process uses a LOT of electricity. Successful verification requires other miners to confirm that the proposed solution is correct (apparently, 51% of the vote of other miners will satisfy this test). However, if a miner doesn't get at least a 51% vote then all the miner gets is a large electric bill for their efforts. Consequently, if you use Bitcoin to pay for something,the recipient doesn't get its money immediately; verification may take 10-15 minutes to a couple of hours.If you're interested in the topic, and a lot of people are right now, I'd recommend the book. I gave it 4 stars because I'd have liked a little more depth even for a beginner. Think about what the book says about cryptocurrencies. I asked myself the question: how likely is it that Bitcoin or one or more other cryptocurrencies will supplant the current monetary system? I have my doubts. Read the book and come to your own conclusion.

I think I have a good background in computer science. So, I expect that, after reading this book, I would get a clear understanding of the basics of the blockchain technology. Unfortunately, I couldn't. In my opinion, the book is too superficial. For instance, it does not explain why the proof-of-work is necessary in Bitcoin. Maybe, I'm not smart enough to understand it. However, I think that is not the case. It seems more that the author had to do some compromises in order to keep the book small.

As an introductory guide to blockchain and its growing applications, this book did an excellent job of explaining the technology in practical and concise terms. Earlier sections discuss some of the more fundamental features of blockchain, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and decentralized apps; while also untangling some of the core concepts (such as Proof of Work vs. Proof of Stake); which tend to be vexingly non-intuitive. The author makes a strong case for near-term expansion of blockchain technologies into mainstream applications, and does so without necessarily making it into a sales pitch or hype. The Kindle edition is a relatively short read (just under 60 pages), but as an entry-level and non-technical guide; this book delivers what it set out to do in my opinion.

The author has provided a deeper understanding about blockchain and how this technology really helps to make some profitable return of investment using cryptocurrency. I have found the book has written in an easy language with lots of features and applications which is based on blockchain technology including big data, personal data, distributed ledger, digital transactions, and the future of this technology as well as cryptocurrency.I would suggest everyone interested in digital currency to read this book.

While technology is a big part of my work, as it is with most modern industries, I'm not a tech guy. But I was introduced to blockchain technology this year and became curious about how it can, and will, be utilized by industries other than finance and cryptocurrencies. While I'm sure this self-described "short read" barely scratched the surface of this highly complex technology, the book did not overwhelm me with information I'm not ready to handle, yet it did indeed spark my interest to do some further research now armed with a basic understanding and solid foundation. Great primer.

Very short. More of a pamphlet really. Save your money and do some reading online.

Wow, do I feel like a chump for buying this one. This is more of a glorified magazine article. It's chock full of spelling and grammatical errors ("Bitcoin" is even misspelled on the cover - check it out!). There is much better information available online for free.

It took me under an hour to read this book cover to cover, and I still feel like I got the just of the matter and now understand the basic premise of blockchain. This system is ingenious, and if it does start to become widely used I can really see it giving the power back to the people and taking the corruption out of financial institutions on our planet.

This book was very relevant to my career and gave me a whole new insight - excellent read

I thought this book is great introduction to blockchain. It covered some confusing terms that are much clearer to me now. It keeps everything high level which makes it an easy read.

Sehr gut beschrieben. Es dauert lange, bis man wirklich die Technologie hinter Blockchain und Cryptocurrency versteht aber super für Einsteiger!

O livro cumpre o que o título sugere. Uma introdução geral a tecnologia de blockchain. Podia ter um pouco mais de exemplos concretos.

Um pouco superficial, mas interessante pra quem quer com nevar a entender sobre o assunto blockchain. Recomento. Leitura rapida e dinâmica