This book provides a comprehensive introduction to blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT). Intended as an applied guide for hands-on practitioners, this book includes detailed examples and in-depth explanations of how to build and run a blockchain from scratch. Through its conceptual background and hands-on exercises, this book allows students, teachers, and crypto enthusiasts to launch their first blockchain while assuming prior knowledge of the underlying technology.
How do I build a blockchain? How do I mint a cryptocurrency? How do I write a smart contract? How do I launch an initial coin offering (ICO)? These are some of the questions this book answers. Starting by outlining the beginnings and development of early cryptocurrencies, it provides the conceptual foundations required to engineer secure software that interacts with both public and private ledgers. The topics covered include consensus algorithms, mining and decentralization, and many more.
The second edition features an updated overview of key operational and technological considerations within the realm of DLT, including insights into decentralized finance, ledger scaling, and tokenization. Furthermore, the book provides real-world examples of successful project implementations and offers expanded coverage on tokenization, highlighting its relevance across diverse industries and governmental sectors.
Daniel Hellwig is Partner at Kepler Cannon, a New York-based strategic advisory firm. He is also active as Researcher and Lecturer at WHU—Otto Beisheim School of Management, Germany. Daniel completed his undergraduate studies at the Wharton School, holds a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from UC Berkeley, and earned a doctorate degree from WHU’s Otto Beisheim School of Management. He looks back at professional experiences at Deutsche Bank, Merrill Lynch, and Deloitte.
Goran Karlic is Principal Consultant at Kepler Cannon, a New York-based strategic advisory firm. Goran is Co-founder of multiple startups and has developed products in the fields of artificial intelligence, distributed systems, machine vision, industrial process control, and DLT.
Arnd Huchzermeier is Chaired Professor in Production Management at WHU—Otto Beisheim School of Management, Vallendar, Germany. Arnd taught at the Booth Graduate School of Business of the University of Chicago after earning his Ph.D. from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, USA. He is, among others, author of books on Supply Chain Finance and Industrial Excellence. He regularly publishes in leading managerial and academic journals.
