Beginner's Guide: Start Learning Blockchain at Home

Published on 27 July 2023 9 min read

Get the basic knowledge
Choose the right blockchain platform
Start with blockchain coding basics
Learn smart contracts
Familiarize with decentralized applications
Work on real-world blockchain projects
Join blockchain communities
Stay up-to-date with blockchain news and trends

If you've ever wondered how to start learning blockchain at home, you're in the right place. The world of blockchain is fascinating and can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. But don't worry, my friend, we're going to demystify this complex field together. We'll start by understanding the basics of blockchain, then we'll explore various platforms, get our hands dirty with coding, and even dive into the world of smart contracts and decentralized applications. Let's get started, shall we?

Get the basic knowledge

Before you start building castles in the air, it's important to have a strong foundation. And that's exactly what we're going to do here — lay down the basics of blockchain. Follow these steps to kickstart your journey:

Understand What Blockchain Is: Simply put, blockchain is a type of database. However, it's unique in the way it stores information; in blocks that are chained together. As new data comes in, it gets entered into a fresh block. When the block is filled with data, it's chained onto the previous block, making the data chained together in chronological order.
Know why Blockchain is Important: Blockchain’s decentralized nature is a radical departure from the traditional centralized banking system. It offers enhanced security, transparency, and traceability which are supremely valuable in many sectors, not just finance.
Learn about Cryptocurrencies: Digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are the most common applications of blockchain technology. But remember, blockchain isn’t limited to cryptocurrencies. It has a far-reaching impact on various sectors including healthcare, supply chain, and even voting systems.
Discover Blockchain's Potential: Blockchain is a game-changing technology. It has the potential to disrupt many industries by making transactions faster, secure, and transparent. The more you understand its potential, the more you'll be able to appreciate and leverage it.

Once you've grasped these basics, you'll be ready to dive deeper into the world of blockchain. Remember, the aim is not to rush but to understand each concept thoroughly. After all, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, right?

Choose the right blockchain platform

Now that you have a basic understanding of blockchain, it's time to choose the right blockchain platform. Think of this as choosing your favorite flavor of ice cream in a parlor filled with options. The right pick will depend on your tastes and what you hope to achieve. Let's take a look at some popular platforms:

Ethereum: You've probably heard of Ethereum if you've dipped your toes into the world of cryptocurrencies. As the first blockchain platform to build smart contracts, Ethereum is open-source and boasts a large and active community. If you're looking to create and execute smart contracts, this might be your go-to platform.
Hyperledger Fabric: Developed by the Linux Foundation, Hyperledger Fabric is perfect for developing applications or solutions with a modular architecture. It's highly flexible and supports plug-and-play components. If you plan to develop blockchain applications for businesses, this could be your ideal choice.
Bitcoin: This is the big one; the platform that started it all. It's perfect if you're interested in peer-to-peer transactions or the financial applications of blockchain.
Ripple: If you're interested in fast, low-fee international transactions, Ripple is worth checking out. It's a digital payment protocol that allows for quick, direct transfers.

Choosing the right platform can be like finding your perfect match — it might take some trial and error, but once you find it, you're set. So, take your time, explore different platforms, and see which one suits you best. Remember, the right platform can make all the difference in how smoothly your blockchain journey progresses.

Start with blockchain coding basics

Once you've chosen your platform, it's time to roll up your sleeves and start coding. But don't worry if you're not a coding whiz yet—no one becomes a master coder overnight. It’s just like learning to ride a bike: it might seem tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be cruising along in no time.

So, where should you start? Here are a few pointers:

Understand the Fundamentals: The first step is to get a solid understanding of basic coding concepts. If you're starting from scratch, it's a good idea to learn languages like Python or JavaScript. They're beginner-friendly, widely used in the industry, and are great stepping stones for diving into blockchain coding.
Get Familiar with Cryptography: Cryptography is the heart and soul of blockchain. It's what keeps transactions secure and authentic. A basic understanding of concepts like hashing and public-private key encryption will go a long way in your blockchain journey.
Learn About Data Structures: Blockchain is, at its core, a complex data structure. Understanding how data structures work—think linked lists, stacks, queues—will help you grasp how blockchains store and manage data.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Coding is a skill. And like any skill, it gets better with practice. The more problems you solve, the better you get. So, set aside time each day to code. It's like going to the gym, but for your brain!

Remember: starting to code can feel a bit like trying to drink from a firehose. There's a lot to learn, and it can feel overwhelming. But don't worry — take it step by step, keep practicing, and before you know it, you'll be writing your own smart contracts and creating your own decentralized applications!

Learn smart contracts

Now that you've taken your first steps into the coding world, let's move on to a key component of blockchain technology: smart contracts. It's a phrase you'll hear a lot when you're learning blockchain at home.

But what is a smart contract? Well, imagine you're selling your bike. Usually, you'd need a middleman—like a lawyer or an agent—to make sure the deal goes smoothly. But with a smart contract, the middleman gets the boot! These are self-executing contracts where the terms of the agreement are directly written into lines of code.

Here's how you can become a smart contract whizz:

Know Your Languages: Smart contracts are written in programming languages like Solidity (for Ethereum) and Chaincode (for Hyperledger Fabric). So if you're looking to become a smart contract pro, getting a handle on these languages is a good place to start.
Understand the Logic: Smart contracts follow an "if-then" logic. If a certain condition is met, then an action is triggered. Understanding this logic is the key to creating effective and efficient smart contracts.
Test Your Contracts: Smart contracts handle real-world assets and transactions, so there's no room for mistakes. Always test your contracts in a safe environment before deploying them. It's like checking your parachute before skydiving—you don't want any surprises!
Keep Security in Mind: Smart contracts are often targets for hackers. So when you're writing your contracts, always think about security. It's better to be safe than sorry!

With smart contracts, you're not just writing code—you're writing the rules of the game. And the more you learn and practice, the better you'll get at it. So grab your coding hat, and let's get started!

Familiarize with decentralized applications

Now that you're comfortable with smart contracts, let's explore the next step in your journey to start learning blockchain at home: decentralized applications, or dApps for short.

Think of dApps as apps that you use on your phone or computer, but with a twist. Instead of being controlled by a single entity, like most apps, dApps are run by a network of computers. This makes them more secure and less prone to failure.

So, how can you start familiarizing yourself with dApps? Here's a simple guide to help you out:

Use dApps: The best way to understand something is to experience it first-hand. There are plenty of dApps out there—like CryptoKitties, a game where you can buy, sell, and breed virtual cats. Give it a try. It's fun and educational!
Understand the Backend: dApps are built on blockchain platforms like Ethereum and EOS. So, to create your own dApps, you'll need to understand how these platforms work. Remember the smart contracts you learned about? They're the building blocks of dApps!
Start Creating: Once you understand the basics, it's time to start building. There are tutorials and guides online that can help you create your own dApps. It might seem daunting at first, but remember, every expert was once a beginner!
Learn from Others: The dApp community is full of people who are willing to share their knowledge and experience. Don't be shy to ask questions. After all, learning is more fun when it's done together.

By familiarizing yourself with dApps, you're diving into the exciting world of decentralized technology. So, ready to take the plunge?

Work on real-world blockchain projects

Alright, you've learned the basics, chosen your platform, and even dabbled in some coding. You understand smart contracts and have played around with dApps. What's next on this exciting path of learning blockchain at home?

It's time to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty with some real-world blockchain projects. Why? Because nothing beats learning like actually doing. Plus, working on real projects gives you a feel for how all the pieces fit together. So, how can you get started?

Start Small: Don't jump into a big project right away. Start with a small, manageable project. Maybe you could build a simple blockchain in your favorite programming language. Or create a smart contract for a fictional business. The key is to start simple and build from there.
Use Open Source Projects: The blockchain community is a goldmine of open-source projects. You can contribute to these projects, or use them as a basis for your own. Open source projects like Bitcoin or Ethereum are great places to start.
Join Hackathons: Hackathons are events where coders come together to build something new in a short amount of time. They're a great opportunity to work on exciting projects, learn from others, and even show off your skills. You might not win your first hackathon, but you'll certainly learn a lot.
Build Your Own Project: Eventually, you'll want to start your own project. Maybe you have an idea for a new kind of dApp, or a solution to a problem in the blockchain world. Whatever it is, go for it! Building your own project is one of the best ways to learn and grow.

You see, working on real-world projects is more than just a learning experience. It's a chance to contribute to the blockchain community and make your mark. So, are you ready to take this crucial step in your journey to start learning blockchain at home?

Join Blockchain Communities

So, you're working on real-world blockchain projects and gaining hands-on experience. That's fantastic! But, there's another important step for those learning blockchain at home — joining blockchain communities.

Why? Well, learning can sometimes feel like a lonely journey. But it doesn't have to be. Joining a community of like-minded individuals can make the journey more enjoyable— and more productive.

Learn From Others: In blockchain communities, you have access to a wealth of knowledge and experience. You can pick up new ideas, learn about best practices, and get answers to your most burning questions. You're not alone on this journey, remember?
Share Your Knowledge: As you learn and grow, you'll have insights and knowledge to share. Contributing to the community not only helps others but also solidifies your own understanding. Plus, it feels good to give back, doesn't it?
Stay Motivated: Learning something new can be tough, especially when things get tricky. Being part of a community can help keep your motivation high. You'll see others facing the same challenges and overcoming them. If they can do it, so can you!
Network: Last but not least, joining a community is a great way to network. You never know when a connection can lead to an exciting opportunity. Maybe a collaboration on a cool project or even a job offer. Who knows?

So, which communities should you join? There are plenty out there. You could start with online forums like BitcoinTalk or Reddit. Or join social media groups focused on blockchain. Even attending local meetups or online webinars can be beneficial.

Remember, the goal is not just to join, but to engage and contribute. After all, a community is only as strong as its members. So, ready to become a part of the blockchain community?

Stay Up-to-date With Blockchain News and Trends

It's time for another important step on your journey to learn blockchain at home. It's all about staying up-to-date with blockchain news and trends. Why is this so important? Let's break it down.

Stay Relevant: The world of blockchain is always evolving. New technologies, new platforms, new use cases — it's a dynamic field. To keep pace, you need to stay informed. It's like keeping your finger on the pulse of the blockchain world.
Stay Competitive: Knowledge is power, right? The more you know about the latest trends, the more competitive you are. Whether you're planning to work in the blockchain industry or just pursuing it as a hobby, staying ahead of the curve is beneficial.
Stay Inspired: Reading about new developments can be inspiring. It can spark new ideas and motivate you to learn more. Maybe it's a new use case that piques your interest, or a new platform that you'd like to explore. The possibilities are endless.

So, how do you keep up-to-date? Here are a few ideas:

Read blockchain news regularly. Look for reliable news sources that provide up-to-date and accurate information.
Follow blockchain experts and influencers on social media. They often share insights and updates that you might find useful.
Subscribe to newsletters from blockchain platforms or communities. They often curate the latest news and trends for you.

Remember, staying up-to-date is not a one-time task. It's an ongoing process. But don't worry, it's also an exciting part of the journey. So, ready to dive into the latest blockchain news and trends?

If you're eager to dive deeper into learning about blockchain and start your journey at home, don't miss the workshop 'Start Your web3 Journey' by Tom Glendinning. This workshop will provide you with the knowledge and resources you need to begin exploring the world of blockchain and web3 technology.