BCT Unit 5 Notes by 32
BCT Unit 5 Notes by 32
Hyperledger Fabric
The Hyperledger Fabric architecture is based on a modular design, which allows for flexibility and
customization in building blockchain applications. The architecture consists of several key
components, including:
Peers: These are the nodes in the network that participate in the consensus process and maintain a
copy of the ledger. Peers can be divided into two types: endorsing peers and committing peers.
Endorsing peers endorse transactions, while committing peers validate transactions and update the
ledger.
Chaincode: This is the smart contract component of Hyperledger Fabric. Chaincode is responsible for
implementing the business logic of the blockchain application.
Ordering Service: This component is responsible for ordering transactions and broadcasting them to
the peers for endorsement and validation. The ordering service can be implemented using different
consensus algorithms, such as Kafka or solo.
Membership Service Provider (MSP): This component is responsible for managing the identities of
the participants in the network. It ensures that only authorized entities can access the network and
participate in transactions.
Ledger: The ledger stores all the transactions that have been executed on the network. It is a
distributed ledger, meaning that all peers have a copy of it.
Client: The client is responsible for interacting with the network. It can be a user or an application
that submits transactions to the network, queries the ledger, and receives responses.
All these components work together to provide a permissioned blockchain network that supports
private and confidential transactions and can be easily integrated with existing systems.
In Hyperledger Fabric, identities and policies
In Hyperledger Fabric, identities and policies play an important role in managing access to the
network and controlling who can perform certain actions.
Identities: Identities in Hyperledger Fabric are used to represent the participants in the network,
such as users, organizations, and applications. Each identity is associated with a unique digital
certificate, which is used to authenticate the identity and provide proof of its identity. These digital
certificates are issued by a Membership Service Provider (MSP), which is responsible for managing
the identities in the network.
Policies: Policies in Hyperledger Fabric are used to control access to the network and define who can
perform certain actions. Policies are defined in the form of access control rules and can be applied to
different components in the network, such as chaincode, channels, and ledger. These rules are used
to restrict access to certain parts of the network to specific identities or groups of identities.
For example, a policy can be defined to allow only certain identities to submit transactions to the
network, or to restrict the ability to query the ledger to a specific group of identities. The policies are
enforced by the peer nodes, which ensure that only transactions that comply with the defined
policies are executed on the network.
In addition to the access control, Hyperledger Fabric also provides a mechanism of confidentiality,
which allows you to encrypt the data stored in the ledger so that it can only be read by specific
identities, or to share the data with only a specific group of identities. This enables the creation of
private and confidential transactions that can only be accessed by authorized parties.
In Hyperledger Fabric, membership and access control are closely related concepts that are used to
manage who can participate in the network and perform certain actions.
Membership is managed by the Membership Service Provider (MSP), which is responsible for
creating and managing identities for the participants in the network. MSPs issue digital certificates
for each identity, which are used to authenticate the identity and provide proof of its identity. The
identities managed by the MSP can be associated with organizations, users, or applications.
Access Control is used to restrict access to certain parts of the network to specific identities or
groups of identities. Access control is defined through policies, which are sets of rules that specify
who can perform certain actions. Policies can be applied to different components in the network,
such as chaincode, channels, and ledger.
For example, a policy can be defined to allow only certain identities to submit transactions to the
network, or to restrict the ability to query the ledger to a specific group of identities. The policies are
enforced by the peer nodes, which ensure that only transactions that comply with the defined
policies are executed on the network.
Together, membership and access control provide a way to ensure that only authorized entities can
access the network and perform certain actions, such as submitting transactions or querying the
ledger. This helps to maintain the security and integrity of the network and ensures that only
authorized parties can access the sensitive information stored on the ledger.
transaction validation
In Hyperledger Fabric, transaction validation is the process of ensuring that a proposed transaction
is valid and complies with the rules defined by the network. This process is performed by the peer
nodes in the network, which act as validators.
When a transaction is submitted to the network, it is first broadcast to a set of endorsing peers.
These peers are responsible for endorsing the transaction, which means that they execute the
chaincode associated with the transaction and return a proposal response. The proposal response
contains the results of the chaincode execution and a digital signature from the endorsing peer,
which attests to the validity of the transaction.
Once the endorsing peers have returned their proposal responses, the client then submits the
transaction, along with the proposal responses, to the ordering service. The ordering service is
responsible for ordering the transactions and broadcasting them to the committing peers.
The committing peers are responsible for validating the transactions. They check that the
transactions are properly endorsed, that the digital signatures from the endorsing peers are valid,
and that the transactions comply with the network policies. If the transactions pass these checks,
the committing peers update their copy of the ledger and broadcast the updated version to the
other peers.
1. Setup the development environment: Before you can start writing the chaincode, you'll need
to have a development environment set up. This includes installing the Hyperledger Fabric
binaries and Go programming language, as well as any other necessary dependencies.
2. Create a new chaincode project: Create a new directory for your chaincode project and
initialize it as a Go module. You can also use an existing starter chaincode project as a
template.
3. Implement the chaincode: This is the main step where you'll implement the business logic of
your smart contract. You'll need to define the chaincode's Init and Invoke functions, as well
as any other functions that are needed to implement the logic.
4. Test the chaincode: Once you've implemented the chaincode, you'll need to test it. You can
use the Hyperledger Fabric chaincode test tool, which allows you to test the chaincode
locally without the need for a network.
5. Package the chaincode: Once you've tested the chaincode and are satisfied with the results,
you'll need to package it so that it can be deployed to the network. This typically involves
creating a .tar file that contains the chaincode and any other necessary files.
6. Deploy the chaincode: Once the chaincode is packaged, you can deploy it to the network.
This typically involves using the Hyperledger Fabric command line tools to install and
instantiate the chaincode on the network.
7. Interact with the chaincode: Once the chaincode is deployed, you can interact with it by
submitting transactions and querying the ledger. You can use the Hyperledger Fabric SDKs to
interact with the chaincode from your application.
Keep in mind that this is a high-level overview of the process and there are many details to take care
of when writing smart contract in Hyperledger Fabric, like defining the chaincode's interface and
methods, handling errors, and working with the network
Here is a step-by-step procedure to write a smart contract using Ethereum:
1. Setup the development environment: Before you can start writing the smart contract, you'll
need to have a development environment set up. This includes installing a local Ethereum
blockchain client, such as Geth or Parity, as well as a development framework, such as
Truffle. You'll also need to be familiar with the Solidity programming language, which is used
to write smart contracts on the Ethereum platform.
2. Create a new project: Create a new directory for your smart contract project and initialize it
with Truffle. Truffle is a development framework that provides a suite of tools for writing,
testing, and deploying smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain.
3. Write the smart contract: This is the main step where you'll write the business logic of your
smart contract using the Solidity programming language. You'll need to define the contract's
variables, functions, and events, as well as any other necessary logic.
4. Test the smart contract: Once you've written the smart contract, you'll need to test it. You
can use Truffle's built-in testing framework to test the smart contract locally without the
need for a network.
5. Deploy the smart contract: Once you've tested the smart contract and are satisfied with the
results, you'll need to deploy it to the Ethereum network. This typically involves using Truffle
to compile and deploy the contract to a local or remote Ethereum blockchain.
6. Interact with the smart contract: Once the smart contract is deployed, you can interact with
it by calling its functions and querying its state. You can use Truffle or web3.js library to
interact with the smart contract from your application.
Keep in mind that this is a high-level overview of the process and there are many details to take care
of when writing smart contract in Ethereum, like handling errors, working with smart contract
events and also thinking about security and scalability.
Ripple and Corda
Ripple and Corda are both distributed ledger technologies that are designed for financial
applications, but they have some key differences in their architecture and use cases.
Ripple is a real-time gross settlement system, currency exchange and remittance network created by
Ripple Labs Inc., a US-based technology company. Ripple is designed to enable fast, low-cost
international money transfers. It uses a consensus algorithm called the Ripple Protocol Consensus
Algorithm (RPCA) to validate transactions. Ripple also has its own digital asset called XRP, which is
used as a bridge currency to facilitate cross-border payments and to help prevent the double
spending of other assets.
In summary, Ripple is a real-time gross settlement system, currency exchange and remittance
network, and Corda is a distributed ledger platform that enables financial institutions to transact
directly with each other. Ripple uses its own digital asset XRP, Corda doesn't have its own digital
assets. Corda is designed with a focus on privacy and security, and it uses smart contracts to
automate legal agreements between parties.
Unit 4; Blockchain Application Development
Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize the way cross-border payments are
conducted by providing a secure, transparent, and efficient way to transfer money across borders.
Here are a few ways that blockchain technology is being used for cross-border payments:
1. Cryptocurrency: One of the most well-known uses of blockchain technology is the creation
of digital currencies, such as Bitcoin, which can be used to conduct cross-border payments.
Cryptocurrencies offer fast and low-cost transactions, as well as the ability to bypass
traditional financial intermediaries.
2. Stablecoins: Stablecoins are a type of digital currency that is pegged to the value of a fiat
currency, such as the US dollar. They can be used to conduct cross-border payments, as the
value of the stablecoin remains stable, making it less volatile than other cryptocurrencies.
3. Blockchain-based remittance platforms: There are a number of blockchain-based remittance
platforms that aim to make cross-border payments faster, cheaper, and more transparent.
These platforms typically use blockchain technology to facilitate the transfer of money
across borders, bypassing traditional financial intermediaries.
4. Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs): Some countries are also exploring the use of
blockchain technology to create central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), which can be used
for cross-border payments. These digital currencies are issued and backed by central banks,
and they can help to reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of cross-border payments.
These are a few examples of how blockchain technology is being used for cross-border payments.
The technology is still relatively new and its potential is yet to be fully explored.
However, cross-border payments using blockchain technology still face some challenges, such as
regulatory compliance and scalability issues. But it's worth to note that many financial institutions,
fintech companies and government entities are investing in research and development to overcome
these challenges and make cross-border payments more efficient, secure and low cost.
2. kyc
KYC (Know Your Customer) is a process that financial institutions and other regulated organizations
use to verify the identity of their customers and to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and
counter-terrorist financing (CTF) regulations.
Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize the way KYC is conducted by providing a
secure, transparent, and decentralized way to verify identities. Here are a few ways that blockchain
technology is being used for KYC:
Digital Identity: Blockchain technology can be used to create a decentralized and secure digital
identity system that can be used to authenticate individuals and organizations. This can help to
improve the security and privacy of personal data and reduce the risk of identity theft.
KYC on-chain: Some organizations are using blockchain technology to store KYC information on-
chain, meaning that the information is stored on the blockchain rather than on centralized servers.
This can help to improve the security and privacy of personal data and reduce the risk of data
breaches.
KYC off-chain: Other organizations are using blockchain technology to create digital identities that
are stored off-chain, but linked to the blockchain via a digital signature. This allows organizations to
conduct KYC checks while still maintaining the privacy and security of personal data.
Sharing of KYC information: Blockchain technology can also be used to create a decentralized
platform that allows multiple organizations to share KYC information in a secure and transparent
way. This can help to reduce the cost and complexity of KYC compliance for organizations.
A mortgage is a loan that is used to purchase a property, and it is typically secured by the property
itself. In a traditional mortgage process, the lender and the borrower have to go through a series of
steps, such as verifying the borrower's identity and creditworthiness, evaluating the property, and
recording the mortgage in the public land registry.
A mortgage is a loan that is used to purchase a property. In the context of blockchain, a mortgage
can be recorded and managed on a blockchain platform. Here are a few ways that blockchain
technology can be used in the mortgage industry:
Blockchain technology has the potential to streamline and automate the mortgage process by
providing a secure, transparent, and tamper-proof way to record and transfer data. Here are a few
ways that blockchain technology can be used for mortgages:
1. Identity verification: Blockchain technology can be used to create a secure and decentralized
digital identity system that can be used to verify the identities of borrowers. This can help to
improve the efficiency and security of the identity verification process.
2. Property evaluation: Blockchain technology can be used to create a secure and transparent
record of a property's ownership and history. This can help to improve the efficiency of the
property evaluation process and reduce the risk of fraud.
3. Mortgage origination: Blockchain technology can be used to automate the mortgage
origination process by creating smart contracts that can automatically verify the borrower's
identity, creditworthiness, and property ownership. This can help to improve the speed and
efficiency of the mortgage process.
4. Digital Mortgages: Blockchain technology can be used to create digital mortgages, which are
tamper-proof and can be easily transferred between parties. This can help to streamline the
mortgage process and reduce the cost and complexity of mortgage transactions.
5. Smart Contracts: Blockchain technology can be used to create smart contracts, which are
self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement between buyer and seller being
directly written into lines of code. Smart contracts can be used to automate the mortgage
process, from the application and approval process to the disbursement of funds.
6. Title Management: Blockchain technology can be used to create a tamper-proof and
transparent system for managing property titles. This can help to reduce the risk of fraud
and increase the efficiency of the title transfer process.
7. Property Valuation: Blockchain technology can be used to create a transparent and tamper-
proof system for recording and storing property valuations. This can help to increase the
accuracy and efficiency of the mortgage process.
8. Record Keeping: Blockchain technology can be used to create an immutable and secure
record of all mortgage transactions, including the loan application
Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize the way trade is conducted by providing a
secure, transparent, and efficient way to manage and track trade transactions. Here are a few ways
that blockchain technology is being used for trade:
1. Supply Chain Management: Blockchain technology can be used to create a tamper-proof and
transparent record of the movement of goods throughout the supply chain. This can help to
increase visibility and traceability, reduce the risk of fraud, and improve the efficiency of
trade operations.
2. Digital Contracts: Blockchain technology can be used to create digital contracts, also known
as smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement
between buyers and sellers written into lines of code. Smart contracts can be used to
automate trade processes, such as payment and delivery, and reduce the need for
intermediaries.
3. Trade Finance: Blockchain technology can be used to create a secure and transparent
platform for trade finance, which involves providing financing to support trade transactions.
This can help to reduce the cost and complexity of trade finance, and increase access to
finance for small businesses.
4. Customs and Trade Compliance: Blockchain technology can be used to create a tamper-
proof and transparent record of trade compliance, such as customs clearance and tariffs.
This can help to reduce the risk of fraud and increase the efficiency of trade
We.Trade is a trade finance network built on top of the IBM Blockchain Platform and powered by
Hyperledger Fabric technology. It is a consortium of several European banks that aims to digitize and
automate trade finance processes using blockchain technology. We.Trade aims to improve the
efficiency and reduce the cost of trade finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The network provides a platform for SMEs to digitize and automate their trade finance processes,
such as invoice financing and letter of credit. It allows SMEs to access financing from multiple banks,
and it enables banks to share information and collaborate more efficiently.
We.Trade also provides a secure and transparent way to manage trade transactions, including the
tracking of goods and the management of trade finance documents. It uses smart contracts to
automate trade processes and reduce the need for intermediaries.
The platform is live and in use by its members, which allows SMEs to trade with their partners in a
more efficient, secure and cost-effective way. The platform also allows for integration with existing
ERP systems, which allows for a seamless process.
Overall, We.Trade is one of the examples of how blockchain technology is being used in trade
finance, it is a network that is improving the efficiency, security and reducing the cost of trade
finance for SMEs.
Supply Chain Financing (SCF) is a type of financing that is used to support businesses in the supply
chain, such as suppliers and manufacturers, by providing them with funding to fulfill orders and
manage their cash flow. In the context of blockchain, supply chain financing can be implemented
using smart contracts and digital assets on a blockchain platform. Here are a few ways that
blockchain technology can be used for supply chain financing:
Smart Contracts: Blockchain technology can be used to create smart contracts, which are self-
executing contracts with the terms of the financing agreement between the lender and borrower
written into lines of code. Smart contracts can be used to automate the financing process, from the
application and approval process to the disbursement of funds.
Digital Assets: Blockchain technology can be used to create digital assets, such as tokens, which can
be used to represent the financing agreement and can be easily transferred between parties. This
can help to streamline the financing process and reduce the cost and complexity of supply chain
financing transactions.
Transparency and Traceability: Blockchain technology can be used to create a tamper-proof and
transparent record of the financing agreement and the movement of goods throughout the supply
chain. This can help to increase visibility and traceability, reduce the risk of fraud, and improve the
efficiency of supply chain financing.
Access to Financing: Blockchain technology can be used to increase access to financing for small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are part of the supply chain. By providing a secure and
transparent platform for supply chain financing, blockchain technology can help to improve the
efficiency and reduce the cost of financing for these businesses.
Integration with existing systems: Blockchain technology can be integrated with existing systems
such as ERP, which allows for a seamless process of financing and tracking of the supply chain.
Overall, the use of blockchain technology in Supply Chain Financing can improve the efficiency,
security, and transparency of the process, enabling a more streamlined and cost-effective way for
businesses to access financing, and for lenders to manage their risk and exposure.
7. Identity on blockchain
Identity on blockchain refers to the use of blockchain technology to create a decentralized and
secure system for managing and verifying identities. Here are a few ways that blockchain technology
can be used for identity management:
Self-sovereign identity: Blockchain technology can be used to create a self-sovereign identity system,
where individuals have full control over their personal data and can use it to authenticate
themselves to various service providers. This can help to increase the security and privacy of
personal data and reduce the risk of identity theft.
Digital Identity: Blockchain technology can be used to create a digital identity that can be used to
authenticate individuals and organizations. This digital identity can be used to access various services
and can be linked to other identities such as government issued ID's.
Identity Verification: Blockchain technology can be used to create a tamper-proof and transparent
record of identity verification, which can be used to authenticate individuals and organizations. This
can help to reduce the risk of fraud and increase the efficiency of identity verification processes.
Decentralized Identity: Blockchain technology can be used to create a decentralized identity system,
where identities are stored on a distributed ledger and not controlled by a single entity. This can
help to increase the security and privacy of personal data and reduce the risk of identity theft.
Identity Linking: Blockchain technology can be used to create a system for linking various identities,
such as government-issued IDs, social media accounts, and other digital identities
8. Food security
Food security refers to the availability, accessibility, and safety of food for all individuals. Blockchain
technology can be used to improve food security by providing a secure, transparent, and tamper-
proof way to track and trace food products throughout the supply chain. Here are a few ways that
blockchain technology can be used for food security:
Food Traceability: Blockchain technology can be used to create a tamper-proof and transparent
record of the origin, movement, and authenticity of food products throughout the supply chain. This
can help to increase transparency and traceability, reduce the risk of food fraud, and improve the
safety of food products.
Food Safety: Blockchain technology can be used to create a secure and transparent system for
recording and storing information about food safety, such as food safety inspections and test results.
This can help to increase the efficiency and accuracy of food safety processes and reduce the risk of
food-borne illnesses.
Food Authenticity: Blockchain technology can be used to create a tamper-proof and transparent
record of the authenticity of food products, such as organic and fair trade products. This can help to
reduce the risk of food fraud and increase consumer trust in food products.
Food Waste: Blockchain technology can be used to create a secure and transparent system for
tracking and managing food waste throughout the supply chain. This can help to reduce food waste
and increase the efficiency of food distribution.
Farm-to-consumer traceability: Blockchain technology allows the tracking of food products from
their origin, such as farm or fishery, to the point of consumption, providing transparency and
traceability to the final consumer. This allows for an efficient recall process in case of food safety
issues and also helps to build trust between consumers and producers.
Overall, the use of blockchain technology in food security can improve the transparency, traceability
and safety of food products, and also help to reduce food waste and increase consumer trust.
Unit 3: Permissioned Blockchain
1. Permissioned blockchain
A permissioned blockchain model is a type of blockchain where access to the network and the ability
to validate transactions are restricted to a pre-approved set of participants. This is in contrast to a
public blockchain, such as Bitcoin, where anyone can participate in the network and validate
transactions.
Permissioned blockchains are typically used in enterprise and consortium environments where the
participants are known and trusted entities. This model allows for a higher degree of security,
privacy and regulatory compliance as compared to public blockchains.
The permissioned model of blockchain is used in various industries and applications, such as financial
services, supply chain management, healthcare, government, and identity management. It allows for
a more controlled, secure and private environment while still providing the benefits of blockchain
technology like transparency, immutability and traceability.
2. Use case
A permissioned blockchain is a type of blockchain that restricts the ability to participate in the
network and validate transactions to a pre-approved set of participants. A permissioned blockchain
typically has a central authority that controls access to the network and enforces rules and
regulations. This is different from a public blockchain, such as Bitcoin, where anyone can participate
in the network and validate transactions.
Overall, the use of permissioned blockchain allows the network participants to have more control
over the network and its participants, which can be useful in industries where privacy and security
are paramount, and regulatory compliance is mandatory.
There are several design issues that need to be considered when implementing a permissioned
blockchain:
Access Control: One of the key design issues in a permissioned blockchain is determining who has
access to the network and the ability to validate transactions. This includes determining the criteria
for granting access, such as membership in a consortium or meeting certain compliance
requirements, and also managing the access control process.
Consensus Mechanism: Another design issue is determining the consensus mechanism to be used in
the permissioned blockchain. This is important as it determines how the network reaches agreement
on the state of the blockchain and the validity of transactions. Choosing the right consensus
mechanism can be a trade-off between security and performance, as some consensus mechanisms
are more secure but less performant.
Scalability: Another design issue is scalability, as permissioned blockchains may have a smaller
number of participants as compared to public blockchains. This can limit the overall network's
throughput and number of transactions that can be processed. Scaling solutions such as sharding,
sidechains and off-chain solutions can be used to increase the scalability of the network.
Privacy: In a permissioned blockchain, the privacy of the participants and their transactions needs to
be considered. This includes designing the network in such a way that it does not reveal sensitive
information about the participants or their transactions to unauthorized parties. Privacy solutions
such as zero-knowledge proofs, and homomorphic encryption can be used to improve the privacy of
the network.
Regulatory Compliance: Permissioned blockchains are often used in regulated industries, such as
finance and healthcare, and need to comply with existing regulations. This includes designing the
network to meet data protection and privacy laws, and ensuring that the network can be audited by
regulatory bodies as needed.
Integration: Permissioned blockchains often need to be integrated with existing systems, such as
enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. This requires designing the network in such a way
State machine replication (SMR) is a technique used in distributed systems to ensure that all replicas
of a service or application have the same state. This is important in blockchain technology, as it
ensures that all nodes on the network have a consistent view of the state of the blockchain.
In blockchain, state machine replication is used to ensure that all nodes in the network have the
same copy of the blockchain ledger. Each node in the network maintains its own copy of the ledger
and participates in the consensus process to validate and add new blocks to the blockchain.
SMR is typically used in conjunction with a consensus algorithm to ensure that the state of the
blockchain is consistent across all nodes. This can help to prevent issues such as double spending
and ensure that all nodes have the same view of the blockchain state.
There are several algorithms that are used for state machine replication in blockchain, such as
Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT) and RAFT. These algorithms use a combination of message
passing and voting to ensure that all nodes have the same view of the state of the blockchain.
Overall, State Machine Replication is a key aspect of blockchain technology, that ensures the
consistency and fault-tolerance of the network. It works in conjunction with the consensus algorithm
to keep all the nodes in the network in agreement about the state of the blockchain.
Consensus is the process by which all the nodes in a blockchain network agree on the state of the
blockchain. In a permissioned blockchain, the consensus process is typically different from a public
blockchain like Bitcoin, as the number of participants is limited, and the participants are known and
trusted entities.
Here is an overview of some of the consensus models commonly used in permissioned blockchain:
Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT): PBFT is a consensus algorithm that is designed to be used
in permissioned blockchains. It uses a combination of message passing and voting to ensure that all
nodes have the same view of the state of the blockchain. It is designed to be robust to failures and
can tolerate up to 1/3 of the nodes being faulty.
RAFT: RAFT is another consensus algorithm that is designed to be used in permissioned blockchains.
It uses a leader-based approach where a leader node is responsible for coordinating the agreement
on the state of the blockchain. RAFT is designed to be fault-tolerant and can handle network
partitions and failures.
PoA (Proof of Authority): PoA is a consensus algorithm that is designed to be used in permissioned
blockchains. It uses a group of authorized nodes, called validators, to validate transactions and
create new blocks. PoA is designed to be more efficient than other consensus algorithms and can
handle higher transaction throughput.
PoS (Proof of Stake): PoS is a consensus algorithm that is designed to be used in permissioned
blockchains. It uses a group of validators, called validators, to validate transactions and create new
blocks. Validators are chosen based on their stake in the network. PoS is designed to be more
energy-efficient than other consensus algorithms.
PLaTFoRM (Parallel Ledger Technology For Optimized Replication and Machine Learning): PLaTFoRM
is a consensus algorithm that is designed to be used in permissioned blockchains. It uses parallel
replication to provide a fast and secure way to add blocks to the blockchain, and machine learning to
improve the performance and scalability of the network.
These consensus models can be used in different ways, depending on the specific use case and the
requirements of the network. PBFT and RAFT are more commonly used in consortium blockchains,
while PoA and PoS are more commonly used in private blockchains.
7. Paxos
Paxos is a consensus algorithm that was first described in a 1989 research paper by Leslie Lamport. It
is designed to ensure that a distributed system can reach agreement on a value, even if some of the
nodes in the system fail. Paxos has been used as the foundation for several other consensus
algorithms, such as the Raft and Multi-Paxos.
In blockchain, Paxos can be used as a consensus algorithm to ensure that all nodes in the network
agree on the state of the blockchain. Paxos is designed to be fault-tolerant and can handle network
partitions and failures.
Paxos works by having a set of nodes, called acceptors, that vote on proposed values. A separate
node, called a proposer, is responsible for proposing new values to the acceptors. Once a majority of
acceptors have voted on a proposed value, it is considered to be the agreed-upon value.
There are several variations of the Paxos algorithm that have been proposed, including Multi-Paxos,
which is designed to handle a larger number of nodes and improve performance, and Fast Paxos,
which is designed to reduce the number of message exchanges required for the algorithm to reach
consensus.
Paxos is considered to be a more advanced consensus algorithm, and it's not so commonly used in
blockchain. it's more common to see it in distributed systems. It is also less efficient than some other
consensus algorithms, such as PoW or PoS, which are more commonly used in blockchain networks.
Overall Paxos is a consensus algorithm that can be used in blockchain to ensure that all nodes in the
network agree on the state of the blockchain. It is designed to be fault-tolerant and can handle
network partitions and failures, but it is less commonly used in blockchain and it's more efficient in
distributed systems.
8. RAFT consensus
Raft is a consensus algorithm that was developed as an alternative to Paxos. It is designed for
distributed systems and is used to ensure that all nodes in a network agree on the state of a
distributed system, even in the presence of failures. Raft is a leader-based consensus algorithm and
it's more understandable than Paxos.
In blockchain, Raft can be used as a consensus algorithm to ensure that all nodes in the network
agree on the state of the blockchain. Raft is designed to be fault-tolerant and can handle network
partitions and failures, making it a suitable option for permissioned blockchains.
The Raft algorithm works by having a leader node that is responsible for coordinating the agreement
on the state of the blockchain. The leader node is elected by the other nodes in the network and is
responsible for receiving client requests and coordinating the agreement on the state of the
blockchain.
leader election, log replication and safety mechanism to ensure that a leader can only commit a log
entry if it has been replicated on a majority of the nodes.
Raft is considered to be more understandable and easier to implement than Paxos, while still
maintaining good fault-tolerance properties. It's widely used in permissioned blockchain networks
and distributed systems.
Overall, Raft is a consensus algorithm that can be used in blockchain to ensure that all nodes in the
network agree on the state of the blockchain. It is designed to be fault-tolerant and easy to
implement, making it a suitable option for permissioned blockchains. It's leader-based design makes
it more understandable than Paxos, and it's widely used in distributed systems and permissioned
blockchain networks.
The Byzantine Generals Problem is a classic problem in distributed computing that addresses the
issue of how to reach agreement in a distributed system when some of the nodes may be faulty or
behaving maliciously. The problem is named after the historical scenario in which Byzantine generals
have to decide whether to attack a city or not, and each general can only communicate with some of
the others.
In blockchain, the Byzantine Generals Problem is relevant because it addresses the issue of how to
reach agreement on the state of the blockchain when some of the nodes in the network may be
faulty or behaving maliciously. This can include issues such as double spending, where a malicious
node tries to spend the same cryptocurrency twice.
Several consensus algorithms have been developed to address the Byzantine Generals Problem in
blockchain, such as the Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT) and the Raft algorithm. These
algorithms use a combination of message passing and voting to ensure that all nodes have the same
view of the state of the blockchain, even in the presence of faulty or malicious nodes.
Overall, The Byzantine Generals Problem is a classic problem in distributed computing that is
relevant to the blockchain because it addresses the issue of how to reach agreement on the state of
the blockchain when some of the nodes in the network may be faulty or behaving maliciously.
Several consensus algorithms have been developed to address this problem, such as PBFT and Raft,
which use a combination of message passing and voting to ensure that all nodes have the same view
of the state of the blockchain, even in the presence of faulty or malicious nodes.
A Byzantine Fault Tolerant (BFT) system is a distributed system that can tolerate the presence of
faulty or malicious nodes, also called Byzantine nodes. In a BFT system, the nodes can continue to
function correctly, even if some of the nodes in the system are behaving in unexpected or malicious
ways.
A Byzantine Fault Tolerance system is important in blockchain because it ensures that the network
can continue to function correctly even if some of the nodes are behaving maliciously or are faulty.
This can include issues such as double spending, where a malicious node tries to spend the same
cryptocurrency twice.
There are several different approaches to achieving Byzantine Fault Tolerance in a distributed
system. One common approach is to use a consensus algorithm, such as Practical Byzantine Fault
Tolerance (PBFT) or Raft. These algorithms use a combination of message passing and voting to
ensure that all nodes have the same view of the state of the blockchain, even in the presence of
faulty or malicious nodes.
Another approach is to use a mechanism called "Byzantine fault detection", which allows the system
to detect and isolate faulty nodes, so that they do not affect the operation of the system.
Overall, Byzantine Fault Tolerance is a key aspect of blockchain technology that ensures the
continuity of the network even in the presence of faulty or malicious nodes. It's achieved by using
consensus algorithms such as PBFT or Raft that use a combination of message passing and voting, or
by using Byzantine fault detection mechanisms that allow the system to detect and isolate faulty
nodes.
The Lamport-Shostak-Pease (LSP) algorithm is a Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) algorithm that was
first proposed by Leslie Lamport, Robert Shostak, and Marshall Pease in 1982. It is a simple and
efficient algorithm that can be used to achieve BFT in a distributed system, such as a blockchain
network.
In the LSP algorithm, nodes in the network are divided into two groups: generals and lieutenants.
Generals are responsible for proposing values, and lieutenants are responsible for voting on
proposed values. A proposed value is considered to be agreed upon if a majority of the lieutenants
vote in favor of it.
The LSP algorithm is designed to be fault-tolerant, and can handle up to 1/3 of the nodes in the
network being faulty or behaving maliciously. It works by requiring that a majority of the lieutenants
agree on the proposed value, which ensures that the network can reach agreement even in the
presence of faulty or malicious nodes.
In blockchain, LSP algorithm can be used as a consensus algorithm to ensure that all nodes in the
network agree on the state of the blockchain. LSP is designed to be fault-tolerant and can handle
network partitions and failures, making it a suitable option for permissioned blockchains.
However, LSP algorithm is not so popular in blockchain, it's not widely used, and it's considered to be
less efficient than other consensus algorithms, such as PBFT or Raft, which are more commonly used
in permissioned blockchain networks.
Overall, Lamport-Shostak-Pease (LSP) algorithm is a Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) algorithm that
can be used in blockchain to achieve BFT in a distributed system. It's simple and efficient, but it's not
so popular in blockchain, it's not widely used, and it's considered to be less efficient than other
consensus algorithms such as PBFT or Raft.
A Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) system is typically designed to work in a synchronous network,
where all nodes have a consistent view of time and can communicate with each other in a timely
manner. However, in practice, networks can be asynchronous, meaning that nodes may not have a
consistent view of time and may not be able to communicate with each other in a timely manner.
When BFT is applied to asynchronous systems, there is a risk of the algorithm being stuck in an
infinite loop, or that it may not be able to reach agreement on the state of the blockchain. To
address this, several modifications have been proposed to BFT algorithms to make them more
resilient to asynchronous networks.
One approach is to use a hybrid BFT algorithm, which combines a synchronous BFT algorithm with a
gossip protocol. This allows nodes to communicate with each other asynchronously and still reach
agreement on the state of the blockchain.
Another approach is to use a modified BFT algorithm, such as Asynchronous BFT (ABFT), which is
designed to work in asynchronous networks. ABFT uses a combination of leader election and voting
to ensure that the network can reach agreement, even in the presence of asynchrony.
A third approach is to use a probabilistic BFT algorithm, such as HoneyBadgerBFT, which uses a
combination of secret sharing and threshold signing to ensure that the network can reach
agreement, even in the presence of asynchrony.
Overall, Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) algorithms in blockchain are typically designed to work in
synchronous networks, but in practice, networks can be asynchronous. To address this, several
modifications have been proposed to BFT algorithms to make them more resilient to asynchronous
networks. Hybrid BFT, Asynchronous BFT (ABFT) and Probabilistic BFT algorithms are some of the
solutions to achieve BFT over asynchronous system in blockchain.
Unit 2: bitcoin and blockchain
1. Bitcoin
Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that allows for peer-to-peer transactions without the need
for a central authority. It was first proposed in 2008 by an individual or group of individuals going by
the pseudonym "Satoshi Nakamoto".
Transactions on the Bitcoin network are recorded on a public ledger called the blockchain. The
blockchain is maintained by a decentralized network of computers that work together to validate
and record transactions.
New bitcoins are created through a process called mining, where powerful computers compete to
solve complex mathematical problems. Once a problem is solved, the miner is rewarded with a
certain number of bitcoins.
Bitcoin can be stored in a digital wallet, and can be used to purchase goods and services online or
can be exchanged for traditional currencies like US dollars or Euros. The value of a bitcoin is
determined by supply and demand on various online exchanges, where they can be bought and sold.
Bitcoin has faced controversy due to its association with illegal activities and lack of regulation. It's
also faced criticism due to its high energy consumption, but it has been widely adopted as a store of
value, a medium of exchange and a speculative investment.
Overall, Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that allows for peer-to-peer transactions without
the need for a central authority. It's based on blockchain technology, and it's created through a
process called mining. Bitcoin can be stored in a digital wallet, and its value is determined by supply
and demand on various online exchanges. It has faced controversy due to its association with illegal
activities and lack of regulation, but it's widely adopted as a store of value, medium of exchange, and
speculative investment.
The Bitcoin peer-to-peer (P2P) network is a decentralized network of computers that work together
to validate and record transactions on the Bitcoin blockchain. In the P2P network, there is no central
authority that controls the network, and all nodes are equal and can participate in the validation and
recording of transactions.
When a user initiates a transaction on the Bitcoin network, the transaction is broadcast to the P2P
network. The transaction includes information such as the sender's and receiver's addresses, the
amount of bitcoins being transferred, and a digital signature to prove the authenticity of the
transaction.
The transaction is then relayed and propagated across the P2P network by nodes called "peers".
Each peer checks the transaction for errors and verifies the digital signature to ensure that the
transaction is valid.
Once a transaction has been verified, it is grouped with other transactions into a "block". A block is a
collection of transactions that have been verified and are ready to be added to the blockchain.
The process of adding a block to the blockchain is called "mining". Miners compete to solve a
complex mathematical problem, and the first miner to solve the problem is rewarded with a certain
number of bitcoins. Once a block is mined, it is added to the blockchain, and the transactions in the
block are considered to be confirmed.
Overall, The Bitcoin peer-to-peer (P2P) network is a decentralized network of computers that work
together to validate and record transactions on the Bitcoin blockchain. Transactions are
broadcasted, relayed and propagated through the P2P network by peers, and they are verified,
grouped into blocks and added to the blockchain through mining. This process ensures the integrity
and security of the bitcoin network, and it allows for a decentralized system of trust.
A transaction in the Bitcoin network is a transfer of value from one Bitcoin address to another. The
transaction is recorded on the public ledger of the blockchain, and it includes several important
pieces of information:
Inputs: The Bitcoin addresses of the sender and the amount of bitcoins being transferred.
Outputs: The Bitcoin address of the receiver and the amount of bitcoins being received.
Digital signature: A cryptographic signature that proves the authenticity of the transaction and
ensures that the sender has the authority to transfer the bitcoins.
When a user initiates a transaction, the transaction is broadcasted to the Bitcoin peer-to-peer (P2P)
network. Each node in the network, called a peer, verifies the transaction for errors and checks the
digital signature to ensure that the transaction is valid.
Once a transaction has been verified, it is grouped with other transactions into a "block" and added
to the blockchain through a process called mining. Each block is linked to the previous block, forming
a chain of blocks, hence the name blockchain.
Once a block is added to the blockchain, the transactions in the block are considered to be
confirmed, and the bitcoins are transferred from the sender's address to the receiver's address.
It's important to note that in the Bitcoin network, transactions are not reversible, so once a
transaction is confirmed, the bitcoins cannot be returned to the sender. This ensures that the
bitcoins can only be spent once, and it helps to prevent double-spending.
Overall, A transaction in the Bitcoin network is a transfer of value from one Bitcoin address to
another. It's recorded on the blockchain, and it includes inputs, outputs and digital signature.
Transactions are broadcasted to the Bitcoin P2P network, verified and grouped into blocks, added to
the blockchain through mining. Transactions are irreversible, and it ensures that the bitcoins can
only be spent once and it helps to prevent double-spending.
4. Block minning
Block mining is the process of adding new blocks to a blockchain. It is a key component of the
blockchain technology that ensures the integrity and security of the network.
In the mining process, powerful computers, called nodes, compete to solve a complex mathematical
problem, called a proof-of-work (PoW). The first node to solve the problem is rewarded with a
certain number of cryptocurrency, such as bitcoins. The process of solving the PoW is also what
confirms the transactions that are included in the block.
When a block is mined, it is added to the existing chain of blocks, hence the name blockchain. Each
block contains a list of transactions that have been verified and are ready to be added to the
blockchain. The block also contains a timestamp and a reference to the previous block, which
creates a link between the blocks and forms the chain.
This process of adding new blocks to the blockchain ensures that the network remains decentralized,
secure, and tamper-proof. Each block contains a record of all the transactions that have occurred on
the network since the last block was mined, and once a block is added to the blockchain, the
transactions in the block are considered to be confirmed.
It's worth mentioning that other consensus algorithms such as Proof of Stake (PoS) and Delegated
Proof of Stake (DPoS) have been developed to be alternatives to PoW for block mining in blockchain.
These alternatives have been designed to address some of the issues with PoW, such as high energy
consumption and centralization.
Overall, Block mining is the process of adding new blocks to a blockchain. It's a key component of the
blockchain technology that ensures the integrity and security of the network. In the mining process,
powerful computers compete to solve a complex mathematical problem, called a proof-of-work
(PoW), and the first node to solve the problem is rewarded with cryptocurrency. When a block is
mined, it's added to the existing chain of blocks, and each block contains a list of transactions that
have been verified and are ready to be added to the blockchain. PoW is the most widely used
consensus algorithm for block mining in blockchain, but alternative algorithms like PoS and DPoS
have been developed to address some of the issues with PoW.
Block propagation and block relay are two important processes that ensure the integrity and security
of a blockchain network.
Block propagation refers to the process of distributing new blocks to all the nodes in the network.
When a miner successfully mines a block, it is broadcasted to the network. Each node in the network
receives the new block and verifies it for errors and validity. Once a block is verified, it is added to
the node's copy of the blockchain.
Block relay refers to the process of relaying new blocks and transactions between nodes in the
network. When a node receives a new block, it will relay the block to its peers. In the same way,
when a node receives a new transaction, it will relay the transaction to its peers. This helps to ensure
that all nodes in the network have the same copy of the blockchain and that new transactions are
quickly and efficiently broadcasted to the network.
Both block propagation and block relay are important for the security and integrity of a blockchain
network. Block propagation ensures that all nodes in the network have the same copy of the
blockchain, and block relay ensures that new transactions and blocks are quickly and efficiently
broadcasted to the network.
Overall, Block propagation refers to the process of distributing new blocks to all the nodes in the
network, and block relay refers to the process of relaying new blocks and transactions between
nodes in the network. Both of these processes are critical for the integrity and security of a
blockchain network. They ensure that all nodes in the network have the same copy of the blockchain
and that new transactions and blocks are quickly and efficiently broadcasted to the network.
In the Bitcoin network, consensus is achieved through a process called proof-of-work (PoW). PoW is
a consensus algorithm that is used to validate transactions and add new blocks to the blockchain.
The process of PoW involves miners, who use powerful computers to solve complex mathematical
problems. The miner who first solves the problem is rewarded with a certain number of bitcoins, and
the solution to the problem is used to validate the transactions in the block and add it to the
blockchain.
The PoW algorithm is designed to be difficult to solve, but easy to verify. This ensures that it is
computationally expensive to add a new block to the blockchain, but it is easy for other nodes to
verify the solution and add the block to their copy of the blockchain.
In addition to PoW, Bitcoin also uses a consensus mechanism called Nakamoto consensus.
Nakamoto consensus refers to the idea that the longest valid chain on the network is considered to
be the true version of the blockchain. This is because the longest chain has the most computational
power behind it, and it is considered to be the most secure.
In the event of a disagreement among the nodes of the network, the nodes will work to resolve the
disagreement by adding more computational power to the chain they believe to be the valid one.
This ensures that the network eventually reaches consensus on the state of the blockchain.
Overall, In Bitcoin, consensus is achieved through a process called proof-of-work (PoW) which is a
consensus algorithm that is used to validate transactions and add new blocks to the blockchain. The
process of PoW is designed to be difficult to solve but easy to verify. The longest valid chain on the
network is considered to be the true version of the blockchain, this is known as Nakamoto
consensus. In case of disagreement among the nodes, the network reaches consensus by adding
more computational power to the chain they believe to be the valid one.
7. Proof of work
Proof of Work (PoW) is a consensus algorithm that is used to validate transactions and add new
blocks to the blockchain. It is the most widely used consensus algorithm for blockchains, and it is
used by many cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.
The process of PoW involves miners, who use powerful computers to solve complex mathematical
problems. The miner who first solves the problem is rewarded with a certain number of
cryptocurrency, such as bitcoins. The solution to the problem is also used to validate the
transactions in the block and add it to the blockchain.
The mathematical problem that needs to be solved is called a Hash puzzle and it is designed to be
difficult to solve, but easy to verify. This ensures that it is computationally expensive to add a new
block to the blockchain, but it is easy for other nodes to verify the solution and add the block to their
copy of the blockchain.
PoW is designed to be a secure and decentralized consensus mechanism, it is based on the idea that
if a miner wants to add a block to the blockchain, they must demonstrate that they have invested a
significant amount of computational power in solving the Hash puzzle. This makes it difficult for any
one miner or group of miners to control the blockchain and ensures that the network remains
decentralized.
However, PoW has some drawbacks, such as high energy consumption and centralization as it
requires a lot of computational power to solve the Hash puzzle, and this can be expensive in terms of
energy consumption. Some alternative consensus algorithms such as Proof of Stake (PoS) and
Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) have been developed to address these issues.
Overall, Proof of Work (PoW) is a consensus algorithm that is used to validate transactions and add
new blocks to the blockchain. It involves miners who solve complex mathematical problems, known
as Hash puzzle, in order to validate transactions and add new blocks to the blockchain. It's designed
to be difficult to solve but easy to verify, and it is used to ensure the security and decentralization of
the blockchain. However, PoW has some drawbacks, such as high energy consumption and
centralization, alternatives consensus algorithms have been developed to address these issues.
Hashcash and Bitcoin's PoW algorithm have some similarities as they both use a similar concept
called Hash puzzle, which is a mathematical problem that needs to be solved by miners.
Hashcash, which was developed in 1997 by Adam Back, is a proof-of-work system that was designed
to prevent spam and denial-of-service attacks on networks. The idea behind Hashcash is that a
sender must perform a certain amount of computational work before sending an email or making a
request to a server. This work is typically in the form of solving a Hash puzzle, which is a
mathematical problem that is difficult to solve but easy to verify.
Bitcoin's PoW algorithm, on the other hand, was introduced in the Bitcoin whitepaper in 2008. It is
also based on the Hash puzzle concept and it's used to validate transactions and add new blocks to
the blockchain. In the Bitcoin network, miners use powerful computers to solve the Hash puzzle and
the miner who first solves the problem is rewarded with a certain number of bitcoins. The solution
to the problem is also used to validate the transactions in the block and add it to the blockchain.
Both Hashcash and Bitcoin's PoW algorithm use the Hash puzzle to ensure that a certain amount of
computational work has been done, but they are used for different purposes. Hashcash is used to
prevent spam and denial-of-service attacks on networks, while Bitcoin's PoW algorithm is used to
validate transactions and add new blocks to the blockchain.
Overall, Hashcash and Bitcoin's PoW algorithm have some similarities as they both use the concept
of Hash puzzle. Hashcash was developed to prevent spam and denial-of-service attacks on networks,
Bitcoin's PoW algorithm is used to validate transactions and add new blocks to the blockchain. Both
algorithms use the Hash puzzle to ensure that a certain amount of computational work has been
done, but they are used for different purposes.
9. Attack on pow
Proof of Work (PoW) is a consensus algorithm that is used to validate transactions and add new
blocks to the blockchain. While it is considered to be a secure and decentralized consensus
mechanism, PoW is not immune to attacks. Some of the most common attacks on PoW include:
51% Attack: This is a situation in which a miner or a group of miners control more than 50% of the
mining power on the network. With this level of control, they can manipulate the blockchain by
reversing transactions, blocking new transactions from being added, or double-spending coins.
Selfish mining: This is a situation in which a miner or a group of miners keep the blocks they mine to
themselves and do not broadcast them to the network. This allows them to earn more rewards by
mining new blocks on top of the ones they have kept private.
Mining centralization: This happens when most of the mining power is controlled by a small number
of large mining pools. This can lead to a concentration of mining power in the hands of a few
entities, which can be a risk to the security and decentralization of the network.
Denial-of-service (DoS) attack: A miner or group of miners can launch a DoS attack on the network
by flooding it with a large number of low-difficulty solutions, which can slow down the network, or
by preventing other miners from submitting solutions to the network.
Eclipse attack: This type of attack is when an attacker isolates a node from the network and only
allows it to connect to nodes that the attacker controls. This allows the attacker to feed the isolated
node false information about the blockchain and manipulate the node's actions.
It's worth mentioning that there are solutions and best practices that can help mitigate these attacks
and make PoW more secure, and also some alternative consensus algorithm like PoS, DPoS have
been developed to be more secure and energy efficient.
Overall, PoW is considered to be a secure and decentralized consensus mechanism, but it is not
immune to attacks. Some of the most common attacks on PoW include 51% attack, selfish mining,
mining centralization, denial-of-service (DoS) attack, and Eclipse attack. Solutions and best practices
can help mitigate these attacks, and alternative consensus algorithms like PoS and DPoS have been
developed to be more secure and energy efficient.
Proof of Stake (PoS) is a consensus algorithm that is used to validate transactions and add new
blocks to the blockchain. Unlike Proof of Work (PoW) which is based on computational power, PoS is
based on the number of coins that a miner holds, or "stakes" in the network.
In a PoS system, validators (often called "stakers") are chosen to create new blocks and validate
transactions based on the number of coins they hold and are willing to "stake" as collateral. The
more coins a validator holds, the higher the chance of them being chosen to create a new block.
When a new block is created, the validator is rewarded with transaction fees and/or a block reward.
If a validator acts maliciously and creates a block that does not follow the consensus rules, their
stake can be taken away.
PoS is considered to be more energy efficient than PoW, as it doesn't require as much computational
power to validate transactions and create new blocks. Additionally, it also helps to prevent
centralization of mining power as it does not require as much specialized hardware as PoW does.
It's worth mentioning that there are different variations of PoS like Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS)
which is a variation of PoS that allows coin holders to vote for a representative who will create and
validate blocks on their behalf.
Overall, PoS is a consensus algorithm that is used to validate transactions and add new blocks to the
blockchain. It is based on the number of coins that a miner holds, or "stakes" in the network.
Validators are chosen to create new blocks and validate transactions based on the number of coins
they hold and are willing to "stake" as collateral. PoS is considered to be more energy efficient and
less centralized than PoW. Additionally, there are different variations of PoS like DPoS that allows
coin holders to vote for a representative who will create and validate blocks.
Proof of Burn (PoB) and Proof of Elapsed Time (PoET) are two alternative consensus algorithms that
are used in some blockchain networks.
Proof of Burn (PoB) is a consensus algorithm that requires users to "burn" or destroy a certain
number of coins in order to participate in the mining process. This is done by sending the coins to an
unspendable address, effectively removing them from circulation. The idea behind PoB is that by
burning coins, the user is demonstrating a long-term commitment to the network, and as a result,
they are more likely to act in the best interest of the network.
Proof of Elapsed Time (PoET) is a consensus algorithm that is based on the amount of time a node
has been running. The idea behind PoET is that the longer a node has been running, the more likely
it is to be a legitimate node and not a malicious one. In PoET, nodes compete to be chosen as the
leader to create the next block by waiting a randomly generated amount of time. The node that has
been waiting the longest is chosen to create the block.
Both PoB and PoET are considered to be more energy efficient than PoW as they do not require a lot
of computational power to participate in the mining process. Additionally, they also help to prevent
centralization of mining power as they do not require as much specialized hardware as PoW does.
Overall, Proof of Burn (PoB) and Proof of Elapsed Time (PoET) are two alternative consensus
algorithms used in some blockchain networks. PoB requires users to "burn" or destroy a certain
number of coins in order to participate in the mining process. PoET is based on the amount of time a
node has been running, the longer a node has been running, the more likely it is to be a legitimate
node. Both PoB and PoET are considered to be more energy efficient and less centralized than PoW.
12. Life of bitcoin miner
1. Setting up mining equipment: This includes purchasing and setting up the necessary
hardware, such as a computer with a powerful graphics card or an ASIC (Application-Specific
Integrated Circuit) miner, as well as the necessary software to connect to the Bitcoin
network.
2. Joining a mining pool: Miners can choose to join a mining pool, which pools resources and
computing power from multiple miners to increase the chances of solving the complex
mathematical problems required to validate transactions and add new blocks to the
blockchain.
3. Mining: This is the process of solving the complex mathematical problems, known as Hash
puzzles, in order to validate transactions and add new blocks to the blockchain. Miners are
rewarded with a certain number of bitcoins for each block they mine.
4. Maintenance and upgrades: Miners will need to regularly maintain and upgrade their
equipment to keep up with the increasing difficulty of mining.
5. Profitability: The profitability of mining can vary depending on the current market conditions
and the cost of electricity. Miners will need to carefully monitor their costs and revenue to
determine if mining is still profitable for them.
Exit: Some miners may choose to exit the market if they are no longer profitable or if they wish to
sell their equipment.
Overall, The life of a Bitcoin miner includes setting up mining equipment, joining a mining pool,
mining, maintaining and upgrading equipment, monitoring profitability, and exiting the market if
necessary. The profitability of mining can vary depending on market conditions and the cost of
electricity. Miners will need to carefully monitor their costs and revenue to determine if mining is
still profitable for them.
Mining difficulty and mining pools are two important concepts in the process of adding new blocks
to the blockchain in the proof of work consensus algorithm.
Mining difficulty: Mining difficulty refers to the level of difficulty in solving the complex
mathematical problems, known as Hash puzzles, that are required to validate transactions and add
new blocks to the blockchain. The difficulty is adjusted periodically to ensure that blocks are added
to the blockchain at a consistent rate. If the mining difficulty is high, it will take more computational
power to solve the Hash puzzle and add a new block to the blockchain.
Mining pools: Mining pools are groups of miners who pool their resources and computing power to
increase the chances of solving the Hash puzzles and adding new blocks to the blockchain. When a
block is mined, the rewards are distributed among the miners in the pool according to their
contribution. By joining a mining pool, individual miners can earn a steady stream of rewards even if
they do not have enough computational power to solve the Hash puzzles on their own.
It's worth mentioning that, some pools charge a fee for their service, miners need to be aware of the
fee and how it's distributed before joining a pool.
Overall, Mining difficulty and mining pools are two important concepts in the process of adding new
blocks to the blockchain in the proof of work consensus algorithm. Mining difficulty refers to the
level of difficulty in solving the complex mathematical problems that are required to validate
transactions and add new blocks to the blockchain. Mining pools are groups of miners who pool
their resources and computing power to increase the chances of solving the Hash puzzles and adding
new blocks to the blockchain. Joining a mining pool allows individual miners to earn a steady stream
of rewards even if they do not have enough computational power to solve the Hash puzzles on their
own.
Unit 1: Introduction
1. Overview of blockchain
A blockchain is a decentralized, digital ledger that records transactions across a network of
computers. Each block in the chain contains a number of transactions and a reference to the
previous block, creating a chain of blocks that cannot be altered or tampered with.
Blockchain technology was first introduced in 2008 as the underlying technology for the
digital currency, Bitcoin. But since then, it has evolved to be used in a variety of industries
including finance, supply chain, healthcare, and more.
One of the key features of blockchain technology is that it is decentralized, meaning that
there is no single point of control or failure. This makes it resistant to tampering and fraud,
as any changes to the blockchain would need to be made across the entire network.
Blockchains can be public or private. Public blockchains, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, allow
anyone to participate in the network and validate transactions. Private blockchains, on the
other hand, are typically used for enterprise solutions and have restricted access to the
network.
Blockchains use consensus algorithms, such as Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake
(PoS), to validate transactions and add new blocks to the chain. This ensures that the
blockchain remains secure and tamper-proof.
Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement between
buyer and seller being directly written into lines of code. They are often used in blockchain
technology to facilitate, verify, and enforce the negotiation or performance of a contract.
Overall, blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions across a
network of computers. Each block in the chain contains a number of transactions and a
reference to the previous block, creating a chain of blocks that cannot be altered or
tampered with. It is resistant to tampering and fraud, as any changes to the blockchain
would need to be made across the entire network. It can be public or private, and use
consensus algorithms such as PoW and PoS to validate transactions and add new blocks to
the chain. Smart contracts are self-executing contracts that are often used in blockchain
technology to facilitate, verify, and enforce the negotiation or performance of a contract.
Public and private blockchains are two different types of blockchain networks, each with its own set
of characteristics and use cases.
Public blockchains: Public blockchains, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, are open to anyone and allow
anyone to participate in the network and validate transactions. They are decentralized and have no
single point of control. Public blockchains are often used for digital currencies and other
decentralized applications.
Private blockchains: Private blockchains, on the other hand, are typically used for enterprise
solutions and have restricted access to the network. They are often used for specific use cases, such
as supply chain management, digital identity, and more. Private blockchains are typically faster and
more efficient than public blockchains, but they also have a central point of control.
It's worth mentioning that, some private blockchains like consortium blockchain have a group of pre-
selected participants, they are also called permissioned blockchain, which means that access to the
network is controlled and restricted to a certain group of people or organizations.
Overall, Public blockchains are open to anyone and allow anyone to participate in the network and
validate transactions, they are decentralized and have no single point of control. Private blockchains,
on the other hand, have restricted access to the network and are typically used for enterprise
solutions, they are often faster and more efficient than public blockchains, but also have a central
point of control. Consortium blockchain is a variation of private blockchain that allows a group of
pre-selected participants.
Difference:
Public and private blockchains are two different types of blockchain networks, each with its own set
of characteristics and use cases.
Public blockchains: Public blockchains, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, are open to anyone and allow
anyone to participate in the network, validate transactions and also create new blocks. They are
decentralized and have no single point of control, meaning that there is no central authority that
governs the network. Public blockchains use consensus mechanisms like Proof-of-Work (PoW) and
Proof-of-Stake (PoS) to validate transactions and add new blocks to the chain. Public blockchains are
often used for digital currencies, decentralized applications, and other open-source projects.
Private blockchains: Private blockchains, on the other hand, are typically used for enterprise
solutions, and have restricted access to the network. The access to the network is controlled and
restricted to a certain group of people or organizations. The consensus mechanism used can be
permissioned-based, and the network is maintained by a central authority. Private blockchains are
typically faster and more efficient than public blockchains, but they also have a central point of
control. They are often used for specific use cases, such as supply chain management, digital
identity, and more.
Overall, the main difference between public and private blockchain is the level of decentralization
and accessibility. Public blockchains are open to anyone and allow anyone to participate in the
network, validate transactions and also create new blocks, private blockchains have restricted access
to the network and are typically used for enterprise solutions and have a central point of control.
3. Cryptocurrency in blockchain
A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security and operates
independently of a central bank. Cryptocurrencies are based on blockchain technology, which is a
decentralized, digital ledger that records transactions across a network of computers.
The most well-known cryptocurrency is Bitcoin, which was the first decentralized cryptocurrency and
was created in 2009. Since then, many other cryptocurrencies have been created, such as Ethereum,
Ripple, Litecoin, and many others. Each cryptocurrency has its own set of rules and characteristics,
and they are often used for different purposes.
One of the key features of cryptocurrencies is that they allow for peer-to-peer transactions without
the need for a central intermediary, such as a bank. They are also highly secure, as they use complex
mathematical algorithms to encrypt transactions and prevent fraud.
Cryptocurrencies can be bought and sold on various online exchanges and can be stored in digital
wallets. They can also be used to make purchases and payments, and some merchants and
businesses now accept them as a form of payment.
Overall, A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security and
operates independently of a central bank. Cryptocurrencies are based on blockchain technology,
which is a decentralized, digital ledger that records transactions across a network of computers.
They allow for peer-to-peer transactions without the need for a central intermediary and are highly
secure. Cryptocurrencies can be bought and sold on various online exchanges and can be stored in
digital wallets. They can also be used to make purchases and payments, and some merchants and
businesses now accept them as a form of payment.