Preface

Welcome to “Blockchain, Crypto, and DeFi,” the only guide you’ll need in the rapidly evolving frontier of blockchain technology. This isn’t just another textbook or professional book; it’s your secret weapon to mastering the chaos of cryptocurrencies and the magic of decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3.

Anyone who’s ever attended one of my lectures or talks knows I strive to make the experience interactive and entertaining. I believe learning should be enjoyable, not a chore. This book carries the same philosophy. Each chapter is crafted with a touch of whimsy—a witty preface here, a sprinkle of humor there—all designed to engage you, the reader, in a dialogue rather than a monologue. So, as you turn these pages, expect to participate, laugh, and perhaps even question as you would in one of my live sessions. Let’s make this journey through blockchain as lively and spirited as a room full of curious minds!

What’s Inside? More Than Just Your Average Geek Speak: Dive into the core of blockchain technology with a structure that’s as layered as your favorite lasagna! We start with the basics, then crank up the heat with in-depth case studies and spicy code examples that are sure to keep you on your toes.

But it’s not all algorithms and geek speak. Prepare for tales of crypto calamities and triumphs, deep dives into the digital dough of NFTs, and real-world revolutions in everything from gaming to governance. This isn’t just about making you blockchain-savvy; it’s about preparing you to partake, and perhaps even pivot, this technological tumult.

Whether you’re a student flirting with finance, an academic hunting for cutting-edge analysis, or a professional itching to decode the cryptic world of crypto, this book has a little something for everyone.

From Zero to Crypto Hero in Three Parts:

• Foundations of Blockchain Technology: Ground yourself with the building blocks of blockchain technology. It’s like the ABCs, but for future tech moguls.
• The Crypto Universe: Blast off into the cosmos of cryptocurrencies. Learn about Ethereum’s crafty contracts, unravel the mysteries of stablecoins, without overlooking the emerging world of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), where traditional finance meets the frontier of blockchain innovation, promising to redefine money as we know it.
• Decentralized Finance (DeFi)/Web3: Strap in for a tour through the revolutionary world of DeFi, from lending schemes to yield farming, and discover why your bank is scared. And what the heck an AMM is anyway!

But Wait, There’s More! Real-World Heroics and Code Wizards: Each chapter unfolds like the plot of a thriller, beginning with an appetizer of introductions, moving on to a main course of rigorous analysis with code snippets, and ending with a dessert of real-world Harvard Business School case studies that reveal the business brains behind the brawn.

Already a blockchain buff? Feel free to leapfrog the introductory chapters and dive straight into the deeper waters of The Crypto Universe and Decentralized Finance (DeFi). This book is designed to cater to both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts, so pick up from where you find the most value and let the advanced topics challenge and expand your understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Did I hear blockchain? I was looking at cooking books…

   Well, imagine if blockchain could help you monetize Grandma’s secret recipe or even the views on your latest YouTube channel. This technology isn’t just about crafting a perfect soufflé; it’s about adding value to your digital creations and transactions. By the end of this book, you might find the concept of blockchain as tantalizing as mastering the art of making the perfect risotto or turning your passion for homemade tiramisu into a profitable venture. Dive into the world of digital transactions and discover how blockchain can be the key ingredient to enriching your favorite Italian culinary creations and beyond!

   You might enjoy Chapters 9, 10 and 14.

2. I heard my son-in-law bought these cryptocurrencies and he believes he is going to be rich, is he an idiot?

   Like all sons in law, he probably is (as a father of two daughters I speak from experience). However, this book will help you understand why this time he might be onto something… or just onto his next wild goose chase. Furthermore, you will be able to show off at the next “meet the parents” dinner!

3. As a Wall Street whiz, should I be brushing up on blockchain or just stick to trusty spreadsheets?

   While your spreadsheet magic is undeniable, dabbling in blockchain won’t make you a relic of the finance world—just yet. Consider it like learning a new financial spell; blockchain could add some serious sparkle to your portfolio. Dive into the blockchain waters now and you might just surf your way into the future, as the Wolf of Blockchain Street, leading the pack rather than playing catch-up. Who knows, you might even revolutionize those old-school financial practices and give those young crypto-warlocks a run for their money!

   You might enjoy Chapters 7, 8, 9 and 12 the most! You might want to skip Chapter 13.

4. I don’t run a drug cartel—do I really need to know about crypto?

   If your idea of cryptocurrency comes from sensational headlines, you might think it’s all covert operations and shady transactions. But think again! Crypto is swiftly becoming as normal as your morning coffee run. This book will peel back the curtain on how everyday activities—buying coffee, booking vacations, and yes, even grandma padding her nest egg—are increasingly powered by crypto. Let’s move past the tabloid tales and dive into the legitimate, surprisingly mundane, and perfectly legal uses of cryptocurrency. It’s time to see beyond the headlines and discover how integrated crypto is becoming in our everyday financial lives!

   While it’s true that the juiciest stories about cryptocurrency often involve wild price swings or the occasional scandal (which make headlines for the same reason car chases do!), this book digs deeper. We explore the solid, less sensational side of blockchain and crypto that the New York Times might not cover in their daily drama. So, no need to brace for a rollercoaster of scams and volatility here—just steady, informative insights on how blockchain really works and why it’s more than just headline fodder.

5. I just mastered turning on a computer; should I even be considering crypto?

   From zero to hero—why not? Leaping straight from powering up a PC to decrypting the blockchain might sound like trying to fly a rocket before you can ride a bike, but this book is your rocket fuel!

   If you’re eager to dive into the technical depths and maybe even dabble in some coding, we start from the basics and guide you to tech wizardry. There are even additional tutorials on the book webpage.

   But hey, if you’re more the laid-back learner, looking to grasp concepts without tangling up in code, that’s cool too. You can easily glide over the tech-heavy bits; we’ll keep your secret. Either way, this journey has a route for everyone.

6. As a computer scientist who devours algorithms for breakfast, will this blockchain book keep me engaged or put me to sleep?

   Ah, the perennial fear of the gifted coder—will this be another book becoming a shelf warmer while you nod off from simplicity? Not this time! While we cover the essentials, we quickly dive into the cryptographic abyss that’s as complex and challenging as any problem set you’ve faced. You’ll encounter advanced consensus algorithms, delve into the nitty-gritty of smart contract security, and tackle network scalability issues that are the bread and butter of blockchain innovation. Fear not, we promise no shallow dives here—only deep, technical explorations that will keep even the most avid code wizard wide awake and wired.

   Chapters 6, 7 and 8 will be fun for you.

7. By adopting blockchain, do I become the Tony Stark of my industry, or do I still have to pretend to be an adult at board meetings?

   Adopting blockchain might not equip you with an Iron Man suit, but it could definitely give you Stark-level swagger in your industry’s tech scene. However, even Tony Stark had to suit up for those pesky board meetings, right? Don’t worry, though—this isn’t just about adding flash; it’s about adding cash flow. With plenty of real Harvard Business School case studies woven through the chapters, you’ll learn from the top dogs who’ve turned blockchain blips into booming business models. So yes, you’ll still need to act the adult part now and then, but you’ll be doing it with a secret weapon up your sleeve. Let’s turn those boardroom snoozefests into your personal revenue stream brainstorm sessions!

8. My friend says blockchain is the future, but he still has a flip phone. Should I trust him?

   Maybe take his tech advice with a grain of salt—or better yet, give him this book! After both of you have read it, you can decide together whether to join the future or just keep flipping phones.

9. Why should I trust a book to teach me about blockchain? Aren’t all authors...