Top 10 Blockchain Courses for Developers Recommended by Experts

A large number of different courses on blockchain and cryptocurrencies are now appearing on the Internet, and the world’s leading higher education institutions are adding the study of technology to their program. Accordingly, it is easy to get confused in such diversity.

To make it easier to choose the best, this article has created a list of those recommended by experts.

This list contains training sessions that have received positive reviews from famous personalities on Reddit, as well as top media resources dedicated to this topic.

So, here is a list of training recommended by experts:

• Ethereum Blockchain Developer. Development of projects using Solidity.
• Certified Ethereum Specialist Course.
• Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies, Princeton University.
• Blockchain Basics, IBM Developer Works.
• Blockchain developers, IBM Developer Works.
• Cryptozombie.
• Blockchain for business, introduction to HyperLedger technology.
• Blockgeeks.
• How to become a Blockchain developer with Ethereum and Solidity, UDemy.
• Ethereum and Solidity. Full course.

Ethereum Blockchain Developer. Development of blockchain-based projects using Solidity

Here they learn the basic principles and how to deploy smart contracts based on Ethereum using Solidity. Upon completion, participants have a solid basis for further independent study.

Presented by B21Block, a platform that offers numerous options for acquiring knowledge through Udemy. They also have their own podcast series. Here is an example from one of the students.

Before starting his career at Consensys , Konstantin was chief technology officer at Booz Allen Hamilton.

He has a bachelor's degree in computer science from Saint Mary's College in Maryland. Also, Konstantin studied at Carnegie Mellon University.

He recommends paying attention to this course. Konstantin notes that he passed it and received solid knowledge for further development in this direction. He originally rated it 2.5 stars, but after reviewing the rest of the steps, he upgraded it to 4.5 stars. Updates have been made in accordance with modern realities. But the fundamental principles remain the same.

Konstantin also notes that Udemy helped him understand the basics of operations within the network and learn how to develop smart contracts within Ethereum. Once completed, he could write simple smart contracts using the Solidity programming language

The cost is 13.99USD.

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Ethereum Certified Developer Course

B9Lab Academy offers several professional-level lessons for Ethereum and Hyperledger Factory programmers.

Here, students of the blockchain course will become familiar with the most important tools that relate to Ethereum, as well as learn how to write secure smart contracts and develop patterns. Also, participants will be able to carry out front-end integration.

Video materials are presented here, as well as many articles and notes. Students have the opportunity to communicate directly with instructors and other students, which allows them to bring their development knowledge to a professional level and this will allow them to count on vacancies in the industry in the future.

A Reddit user with the nickname PsychoSloths , who takes an active part in various communities dedicated to Ethereum, completed all the lessons and shared his impressions with other Reddit readers.

Upon completion, he got a job at one of the companies involved in the creation of wallets based on Ethereum.

PsychoSloths notes that a lot of attention is paid to EVM theory, all the critical tools that are touched upon in the process of developing the ecosystem, writing and deploying smart contracts, writing secure smart contracts, patterning, front-end integration with smart contracts and an introduction to the broader ecosystem decisions that are outside the system.

B9Lab offers a combination of video lessons, articles, and other ways to communicate with listeners.

In addition to the blockchain course material, users have access to a dedicated chat room where they can ask questions to instructors, as well as interact with B9Lab's large community of students.

Those who manage to complete the lessons with high marks are given a certificate as an Ethereum specialist.

It is stored on the B9Lab website and registered on the Ethereum network.

Even those who have only a superficial understanding of Ethereum can undergo training. And after completion, you can get a prestigious position in various companies that are developing in the field of Ethereum.

The cost is 1,800USD.

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#2: Binance Coin

Second place deservedly goes to the native token of the most popular cryptocurrency exchange, Binance. In the first half of the year, BNB rose in price by almost 5.5 times amid the hype around the IEO from the exchange. Let me remind you that I myself took part in two crowdfunding campaigns for startups that were launched on Binance Launchpad.

On January 1, the BNB rate was $5.93. Taking into account the current $14.17, we get a 138 percent increase.

Binance Coin price chart in 2022. Source: Coingecko

Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies, Princeton University

Well suited for future blockchain professionals who are at the initial stage of their development. Here they will teach you the basics of cryptocurrencies and cryptography. Students have the opportunity to gain practical programming skills related to this area. The school is suitable for those who want to make their career in the development field.

Former participant and researcher Yudhanjaya Wijeratne expressed his opinion. He is also the author of books in the field of science fiction. He believes that the lessons are complete in terms of content and everything is very well structured.

Everything is structured in such a way that the listener begins the study with the basics of cryptography and then moves on to how cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin function, their ecosystems, what impact they have on the political system and what are the prospects.

Wijeratne believes that there is a perfect balance of theory and practice. He also notes that he only once had to do independent research outside of the project. Some programming knowledge is required. Participants will learn about how a P2P network functions, receive information about encryption and the functioning of GPU processors. No diplomas will be issued upon completion. The blockchain course is offered free of charge.

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How it works?

Block 1: Let's look at the principle of operation using an example

Let's take 10 people who decided to abandon banks and other third party systems.

By general agreement, each of the 10 constantly has all the details of the other participants' accounts, but without knowing their identity

Step 1: Empty Folder

Each of the 10 participants will have an empty folder that will be filled with pages. This collection of pages forms a ledger of transactions.

Step 2: Transactions

Everyone sits with a blank sheet of paper and a pen in hand, ready to record any transaction that happens within this system.

#2 send 10$ to #5

Transaction's registration page

To create a transaction, number 2 informs everyone: “I am sending the number $10.” Each participant in the system checks whether there is sufficient balance to carry out a given transaction. If the balance of the number allows this, then everyone makes an entry on their page. This happens until the page runs out of space to record new transactions.

Let's assume the page has a capacity of 10 transactions. Because Everyone fills out the same information, everyone will run out of space on the pages at the same time.

Now it’s time for everyone to send the completed page to a folder and create a new page to keep track of transactions. And repeat this way starting from step No. 2.

Step 4: Storing Pages

Before sending a page to a folder for storage, we must agree on it with everyone, identifying it with a unique seal. By putting such a stamp on a page, we can be sure that no one can change this page by sending it to a folder. If everyone trusts the print, then everyone trusts the contents of the page. And this process is the most difficult.

In blockchain terminology, this process is called “mining,” but for ease of understanding, using an example, let’s call it the sealing process.

Previously, the intermediary gave us a promise that what was written in the registry would never be changed. In a distributed and decentralized system, seal provides trust. Before we understand how we will continue this process further, we need to become familiar with how one magic machine works.

Magic Hashfunction

Let's imagine that we have a car that is protected from external influences. If we send a box with some content as input, we will receive a box with other content as output. This magical machine is called a hash function.

Suppose we sent the number 4 as input, we will get “cbaja” as output. How did this function convert the number 4 to "cbaja"? No one knows. Moreover, this process is irreversible. Based on the final result, it is impossible to say what was submitted as input. But every time you load the number 4, you will always get the same result at the output.

Let's look at another case. What will need to be fed to the input of this machine in order to get the result “c56c0ah”? There is only one way to find out - iterate through all possible values ​​until we get a given result.

Let's be optimistic, and let's say after several thousand attempts we found this value. In real conditions it is extremely difficult to find.

Based on the information received, let's formulate the main properties of this machine.

• The incredible difficulty of finding input by output (incoming value from the resulting result)
• And easy to check if the incoming value is correct

Let's remember the properties of this machine or hash function

How to use a hash function to create stamps?

Let's imagine that we provide two values ​​as input. The first value is “KEK”, the second is a random value that we will add to the value from the first box and send it to the input of the hash function, and the output will be “Validol”. Can you guess what value is contained in the second box? The situation is reminiscent of the previously discussed case. The only way to calculate this number is to match all the numbers in a row.

Let's be optimistic again, and after several thousand attempts we found the meaning of the second box. This value was "LOL". Whenever we add “LOL” to the “KEK” value at the output of the machine, we will get the required “Validol” value.

Those. the value "LOL" will be a print to the value "KEK".

We created a page with the value "KEK". To print this page, i.e. protect this page from edits, we put a stamp on it with the value “LOL”

In blockchain terminology, a printed number is POW (Proof-of-Work). It means that this value is proof of the work done to calculate this value.

If anyone in our group wants to check whether the contents of a transaction page have been changed, all they need to do is load that page and the printed number of that page into the magic machine. If the output contains the required value, then the contents of the page with transactions have not been changed, but if the output does not correspond to the required result, then this page can be thrown out, because its contents have been changed and can no longer be used.

After determining the printable number, a stamp is placed on the page. If anyone ever tries to change the transaction pages, the printed number will allow everyone to verify the integrity of the information on the page.

Now that we know how to stamp pages, we can go back to when we ran out of space on the page.

Mining

After everyone has run out of space on the page, system participants compete with each other to calculate the printed number for the page in order to put it in a folder. Once the first participant has calculated this number, he notifies all the remaining participants. Everyone else, in turn, checks the correctness of the detected number. The printed number that the majority agrees with will be the original seal.

Here we are faced with a logical question: why then does everyone spend resources on computing when they do not know that someone else will declare it. Why not just wait for the number to be announced? This is where incentives come into play. Everyone who is part of the blockchain system has the opportunity to receive a reward for the work done. The first one to calculate the printed number will be rewarded for the resources spent in the form of computing power and electricity.

Let’s say one of the network participants was the first to calculate the number, for which he will be awarded virtual currency, for which each of the network participants competes, which, by and large, comes from nowhere. That is, his account increased by n-amount of virtual currency without reducing the balance of other participants. Rewards help keep the network going.

Now let's translate our analogy into real examples. Pages are blocks, and a folder is a chain of pages. Therefore, all this turns into a chain of blocks - blockchain.

Blockchain Basics, IBM Developer Works

School for beginners in the field of blockchain. Users will learn the basics of the system and how it is used by Hyperledger Fabric and IBM.

It will be of interest to those who are taking their first steps as a specialist.

Another advantage is that the classes are free and the program is quite short. It will take no more than two hours to complete.

Here's what Lockheed Martin's Darren McCarley thinks. Darren is both an entrepreneur and a developer. Before moving to his last job, he already had experience in development and analysis in various companies throughout the United States. He has skills in various programming languages.

In particular, Darren notes that the two-hour package provides all the information that was stated. Here you can learn the basics in general and how this technology is used in Hyperledger Fabric and IBM.

McCarley believes this is a great basic lesson for new developers and business partners who want to better understand what blockchain is.

At the same time, this option is great for very busy people. Individual lessons are short in duration, which allows them to be included in almost any schedule.

From time to time, the acquired knowledge is tested. At first they may seem too simple. However, if you lose the thread of the story, it is very easy to get confused and in this case the answer to the question is extremely difficult to find. Despite the fact that everything seems really simple, some questions may arise in the final questionnaire and you will have to focus on certain aspects and return to the material already covered. Classes are free.

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How it works?

Block 1: The problem of centralization on Oleg

Oleg the traveler calls to Syzran
First, let's decide what problem the technology solves?

Let's imagine that you have a best friend Oleg who travels all over the world. He calls you in Syzran with a request to transfer some money, because... Oleg's cache has disappeared somewhere. You, as a decent friend, agree to help Oleg and go to the bank. There you inform that you need to transfer the Nth amount to Oleg’s account.

The banker checks your current balance to see if this amount is available and transfers the money to Oleg’s account. With a sense of accomplishment, you call Olezhka and inform him that the Laves have been listed.

So what happened now? Let's look at the situation in more detail.

You and Oleg entrusted the bank to manage your money. There was no physical shipment. You just needed to change the registry, which neither you nor Oleg controls. And this is a problem with existing systems. To establish trust between people, we depend on a third party, which can be a bank. We depend on an intermediary to establish trust with each other.

Block 2: What threat does centralization pose?

Such systems are susceptible to hacking, and the event of such a system failure can lead to the loss of funds and personal information of users of this system, and this has happened more than once. If you give a real example from history, then the collapse of the USSR in 1991 and the loss of 40 million bank user deposits immediately comes to mind.

Centralized / Decentralized systems

Block 3: What system will solve these problems?

Is there a system that will maintain a registry between users of this system, excluding intermediaries? Yes, it exists. And probably, as you already guessed, this solution is blockchain. For P2P systems to exist, there needs to be a sufficient number of users willing to not depend on third parties. And this is the minimum number of users: 3 people - for accounting and maintenance of the register.

Blockchain Developers, IBM Developer Works

This is a more in-depth training on blockchain from IBM compared to the previous one described above.

It is suitable for those who already have an understanding of blockchain and want to study the topic in more depth. Naturally, it is more difficult than the previous one.

Students will receive assignments and will be able to practice programming. In total it will take approximately 6 hours. As in the basic version, everything here is free.

Darren McCarley , who was also mentioned above, expressed his opinion

He believes that it provides excellent videos, articles, and external links for more in-depth study of the topic.

According to Darren, the tasks are more complex than the basic ones, which is quite logical. The same applies to the final test. Darren points out that he took it several times. And the mistakes made allowed us to gain insight into those areas in which it is necessary to deepen knowledge. A certificate of completion is provided at the end. Classes are held free of charge.

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Cryptozombie

This is an online game in which you can learn to program in Solidity - a kind of free course for learning blockchain.

It is perfect for those who want to practice solidity and also learn how to write applications based on smart contracts.

In this case, users will learn to write small games using a programming language.

This time Jeffrey Bernstein , a web programmer, . He is not only a programmer, but also writes content for the Steemit Platform.

According to Jeffrey, cryptozombies are a simple and fun way to get acquainted with programming in Solidity (the language used to create decentralized applications based on Ethereum).

The program is somewhat similar to such well-known sites as Code Academy or Code School.

Users can gain knowledge about the language and practice. As part of the practical assignments, a game similar to Cryptokitties will be created.

Jeffrey also believes that to complete the entire game, it is advisable to have experience in programming and certain skills. If the listener does not have them, he can use Code Academy or Code School. Also, freeCodeCamp is a pretty good option.

The first stage is divided into 15 chapters, which will take approximately one hour to complete. Each chapter has a small task that must be completed in the built-in editor. Then, you need to click on “Check Answer” to check the answer. The editor will check to see if the solution was completed correctly. If not, a comment will appear and the application will ask you to correct the errors and try again.

After completing the task correctly, the user receives congratulations from the system. This collection is truly a very fun way to get to know solidity. Provided free of charge.

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Bitcoin forecast from APECON

The APECON agency thinks differently. In their opinion, the BTC rate will recover even in the absence of support from the SEC and other regulators. In support of this, analysts cite excerpts from a speech by SEC Chairman Jay Clayton, who noted that without the adoption of ETFs, Bitcoin has a greater chance of finding its place, and large investors are already buying Bitcoin on the over-the-counter market. Therefore, in March 2022, APECON expects a gradual increase in BTC and its consolidation in positions of $4000-4200.

Bitcoin forecast for March 2022 from APECON

Blockchain for Business, Introduction to HyperLedger Technology

Students will gain an understanding of the basics of blockchain, the history of the technology, and its practical application in Hyperledger.

The program is of interest to those who want to get good knowledge on blockchain and recommendations from people who are developing within the Hyperledger Fabric.

Darren McCarley provides commentary In particular, he believes that the course on blockchain technologies is completely balanced and provides sufficiently deep skills on the topic.

It includes the history of blockchain, the direction of industry development, the practical application of technology in various Hyperledger projects, with theory and practice.

Each stage has its own nuances that force you to pay attention to the material and do not allow you to relax. There are videos here featuring those on the Hyperledger project team. Contributions to the development of this project include, for example, Brian Behlendorf, executive director of the HyperLedger project and Robert Schwentker, founder of Blockchain University, as well as many others. At the end there are mini tests that allow students to monitor themselves and their progress, as well as re-pay attention to certain aspects. Obtaining a certificate will cost $99.

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Blockgeeks

There are many training programs for programmers with different levels of training and experience, as well as a large number of instructions. On this platform you can find any material of interest, in accordance with the user’s level of training. You can also go through multiple steps, but you will have to pay to access the blockgeeks course.

Roger Huang, entrepreneur and author, provides his recommendations He has previously published articles for Fast Company, Enterpreneur, TechCrunch, The Next Web, VentureBeat and Techvibes. He is also the co-founder of the social network ThoughtBasin.

He believes that the classes are aimed at training in solidity. Naturally, everything is tied to the Ethereum platform. Students will learn to create applications in strict accordance with the functioning of the system.

As part of the training, students will be able to build a development environment for applications written in the Solidity language, as well as create their own smart contracts.

As for the cost, you can subscribe to the service completely free. The monthly subscription fee is $29.99. You must pay 197.99USD per year. You can get lifetime access to the resource for 497.99USD.

#5: Bitcoin Cash

Today BCH is trading at $210; over the past 24 hours, the altcoin has fallen in price by 1.4 percent. Despite the understandable hate from Bitcoin maximalists, this fork of the main cryptocurrency was able to set a yearly maximum of $484.

As a result, since the beginning of the year, the Bitcoin Cash rate has increased by 33 percent.

Bitcoin Cash price chart in 2022. Source: Coingecko

By the way, to this day Bitcoin Cash remains very far from its 2022 all-time high of $4,355. Since its establishment, the coin has fallen in price by more than 93 percent.

How to become a blockchain developer using Ethereum and Solidity, UDemy

As part of the training, students will be able to learn basic knowledge of blockchain and how to write smart contracts in the Solidity language.

It is also proposed to study the basic principles of working with the Truffle framework. Classes are constantly updated.

Taught by Sebastian Arbogast, a professional programmer, and Said Eloudriri, an enthusiast with over 25 years of experience in the IT field.

Rajita Yerramilli, owner of Cloud 9 Solutions, provides her comments She has also worked as a consultant and currently has her own business. Rajitha has a bachelor's degree in computer science from Florida Institute of Technology.

She emphasizes the high quality of teaching and the serious preparation of the presenters. At the same time, Rajitha notes that it is really worth the money. At the same time, she emphasizes that even with their high workload, teachers have the opportunity to answer questions.

Requires constant practice . Rajitha points out that you often have to stop the video and type the code. The cost of training is 13.99USD.

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