Chapter 2. Understanding the blockchain

 

This chapter covers

  • Low-level details of an Ethereum node
  • The technology stack you use to build Ethereum Dapps
  • Technologies underlying the Ethereum blockchain
  • Ethereum’s history and governance

I intended chapter 1 to give you a high-level overview of decentralized applications without overwhelming you with too many details. Consequently, I’m sure you’re still wondering what technical stack you need to learn to build a full Dapp. Also, you might feel the architectural presentation on Dapps didn’t go as far as you’d have liked, and you might still have doubts about how a blockchain exactly works. If you’re asking yourself these questions, I’ll address them in this chapter.

I’ll start by revisiting the voting Dapp I introduced in the previous chapter, and I’ll cover some aspects of an Ethereum node I skipped earlier for simplicity. I’ll then cover the entire technology stack required to implement a full end-to-end decentralized application. Additionally, I’ll introduce the cryptographic concepts and foundations you need to acquire to appreciate how a blockchain works. Before closing the chapter, I’ll present technologies specific to the Ethereum blockchain and give you some information on Ethereum’s history and governance.

2.1. A deeper look at decentralized applications

2.2. What technologies make Dapps viable?

2.3. Ethereum’s history and governance

Summary