Summary

This chapter introduced blockchain technology at a high level to the readers. First some basic ideas regarding distributed systems were discussed then the history of blockchain was introduced. Concepts such as electronic cash and hashcash were discussed. Furthermore, various definitions of blockchain from different points of views were presented. Some applications of blockchain technology were also discussed briefly. Next in the chapter, different types of blockchain were introduced. Finally, the benefits and limitations of this new technology were also introduced. Some topics were introduced only lightly on purpose as they will be discussed in depth in later chapters. For example, challenges and limitations were only mentioned in the chapter but no details were provided as there is a full chapter dedicated to this later in the book. In the next chapter, readers will be introduced to the concept of decentralization, which is central to the concept of blockchains and their vast number of applications.