Blockchain Learning and Practice Handbook

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Blockchain technology has emerged as one of the most transformative innovations of the 21st century, reshaping how we think about trust, ownership, and digital interaction. Originally introduced by Satoshi Nakamoto in the 2008 Bitcoin whitepaper, blockchain has evolved far beyond its cryptocurrency origins into a foundational technology for decentralized applications, smart contracts, and autonomous organizations.

This comprehensive guide—originally developed as an open-source resource on GitHub—offers a structured path for beginners and intermediate learners to explore blockchain from the ground up. Whether you're interested in understanding core concepts like decentralization, smart contracts, or consensus mechanisms, or want to build your own DApps (Decentralized Applications), this handbook delivers practical insights grounded in real-world learning.

What Is Blockchain?

At its core, blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that enables secure, transparent, and tamper-resistant recording of transactions across a peer-to-peer network. Unlike traditional centralized databases controlled by a single entity, blockchains operate without intermediaries, making them ideal for trustless environments.

The first implementation of blockchain was Bitcoin, launched in 2009 with the creation of the genesis block. Since then, the ecosystem has expanded dramatically, introducing new consensus algorithms like Proof of Stake (PoS), replacing earlier Proof of Work (PoW) models, and adopting faster cryptographic methods such as SCrypt.

👉 Discover how blockchain is powering the next generation of financial innovation.

Today, blockchain underpins not only cryptocurrencies but also decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, supply chain tracking, and even experimental forms of digital governance known as decentralized autonomous societies (DAS).

Key Blockchain Concepts You Should Know

These principles form the foundation of modern blockchain development and are essential knowledge for anyone entering the space.

How to Use This Handbook

This guide is designed for self-directed learning and practical application. It's structured to help you progress from foundational theory to hands-on implementation.

Online Access

You can read the full content directly in your browser at:
https://blockchain.qikqiak.com

This version is regularly updated and optimized for fast loading and easy navigation.

Local Setup for Offline Reading

To access the handbook offline:

  1. Clone the repository:

    git clone https://github.com/cnych/blockchain-handbook.git

  2. Install GitBook CLI:

    npm install -g gitbook-cli

  3. Serve locally:

    gitbook serve
  4. Open your browser and go to http://localhost:4000

All changes you make will be reflected instantly during development.

Exporting to eBook Formats

GitBook allows exporting content into professional eBook formats including PDF, ePub, and Mobi—ideal for reading on e-readers or tablets.

Use these commands:

# Generate PDF
gitbook pdf ./ ./blockchain-handbook.pdf

# Generate ePub
gitbook epub ./ ./blockchain-handbook.epub

# Generate Mobi
gitbook mobi ./ ./blockchain-handbook.mobi
⚠️ Note: These commands require ebook-convert, a tool included with Calibre.

Installing ebook-convert for eBook Generation

To generate eBooks, you must install Calibre, which includes the ebook-convert utility.

On Linux

Install via package manager:

sudo apt install calibre

If Node.js is installed separately, create a symbolic link:

sudo ln -s /usr/bin/nodejs /usr/bin/node

On macOS

  1. Download Calibre from calibre-ebook.com/download
  2. Move calibre.app to your Applications folder

  3. Create a symlink:

    sudo ln -s /Applications/calibre.app/Contents/MacOS/ebook-convert /usr/local/bin

If you encounter "Operation not permitted" errors due to System Integrity Protection (SIP), configure environment variables instead:

# Add to ~/.zshrc or ~/.bash_profile
export EBOOK_PATH="/Applications/calibre.app/Contents/MacOS"
export PATH="$PATH:$EBOOK_PATH"

Reload your shell configuration:

source ~/.zshrc

Verify installation:

ebook-convert --version

Once confirmed, you can generate high-quality PDFs or eBooks from the handbook seamlessly.

👉 Learn how top developers are using blockchain tools in real projects.

Customizing Your eBook: Adding a Cover

Professional eBooks should include a cover image. GitBook supports two cover files:

Place these in your book’s root directory. Requirements:

Alternatively, use the autocover plugin to auto-generate covers:

// book.json
{
  "plugins": ["autocover"]
}

Run gitbook install to activate plugins before building.

Building the PDF Version

Navigate to your project folder and run:

cd blockchain-handbook
gitbook pdf ./ ./blockchain-guide.pdf

This generates a polished PDF named blockchain-guide.pdf. For multi-language versions, GitBook will output separate files labeled by language code.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this handbook suitable for complete beginners?
A: Yes! The guide starts with fundamental concepts and gradually introduces technical topics, making it accessible for newcomers while still valuable for experienced developers.

Q: Do I need prior programming experience?
A: While helpful, it’s not required. Basic understanding of computers and curiosity about technology are sufficient to begin.

Q: Can I contribute corrections or new content?
A: Absolutely. Contributions via GitHub Pull Requests are welcome. See the “How to Contribute” section below.

Q: Is there a printed version available?
A: Not officially. However, you can generate a high-quality PDF and print it locally or through online services.

Q: Are all resources free?
A: Yes. This is an open-source educational project with no paywalls or registration requirements.

Q: How often is the content updated?
A: Regularly. The author maintains the repository actively based on community feedback and technological advancements.

How to Contribute

Open-source thrives on collaboration. Here’s how you can help improve this resource:

Report Issues

Found a typo, broken link, or unclear explanation? Open an issue on GitHub to report bugs or suggest improvements.

Submit Pull Requests

If you’ve fixed an error or added clarity:

  1. Fork the repository
  2. Create a new branch (git checkout -b fix/typo-in-chapter3)
  3. Make edits and commit changes
  4. Push to your fork and submit a Pull Request

Please ensure your changes align with the existing tone and structure.

Add New Content

Want to write a new chapter? Follow these guidelines:

Test locally with gitbook serve before submitting.

Join the Learning Community

Engage with fellow learners and developers who are exploring blockchain together.

While specific social groups like WeChat communities aren't linked here, you can connect through public forums such as GitHub Discussions, Reddit (r/blockchain), or Discord channels focused on blockchain education.

Collaboration accelerates learning—share your journey, ask questions, and contribute insights.

👉 See how global innovators are applying blockchain in finance and tech today.

Final Thoughts

Blockchain is more than just Bitcoin—it's a paradigm shift in how we design systems of trust and value exchange. This handbook serves as both a tutorial and a living document shaped by continuous learning and community input.

By mastering its contents, you're not just gaining technical knowledge—you're preparing to participate in the future of decentralized systems.

Whether your goal is to build DApps, understand DeFi protocols, or simply stay informed about one of the most impactful technologies of our time, this guide provides a solid foundation.

Start reading, keep experimenting, and consider contributing back—you’ll be part of shaping the next era of the internet.