This lecture overviews Blockchain technology that has many applications in cryptocurrencies, e-commerce and identity management. It covers the following topics in detail: Introduction to Blockchain. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks and their use in trusted distributed decision making are detailed. Blockchain structure and technology, namely hash pointers, time-stamping and mining are thoroughly explained. The Byzantine Fault or Byzantine Generals’ Problem and its various solutions are presented as well together with Byzantine Fault Tolerance and Practical BFT. Distributed System Consensus: Blockchain Consensus, Nakamoto Consensus, Proof of Work Consensus, Proof of Stake Consensus and the attack are detailed.
