Dec 2: Blockchain Basics

The Bitcoin Standard analyzes the historical context to the rise of Bitcoin, the economic properties that have allowed it to grow quickly, and its likely economic, political, and social implications. The book takes the reader on an engaging journey through the history of technologies performing the functions of money, from primitive systems to modern government debt. It explains the operation of Bitcoin as a decentralized, distributed piece of software that converts electricity and processing power into indisputably accurate records, allowing users to perform traditional monetary functions without relying on authorities or physical infrastructure. The book also explores common questions surrounding Bitcoin and its potential as a store of value and a network for final settlement of large payments, challenging government monopolies and offering a vision of money extricated from politics and borders.

Mastering Bitcoin provides a detailed introduction to bitcoin and its underlying blockchain technology. The book is designed for various audiences, including non-technical users, investors, business executives, and professional developers. It covers topics such as the technical operation of bitcoin, cryptographic currencies, the decentralized network, transaction lifecycle, security principles, and new developments like Segregated Witness and the Lightning Network. The book uses user stories, analogies, examples, and code snippets to illustrate key technical concepts, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in decentralized digital money and blockchain technology.