Overview
No doubt you're aware of the buzz around blockchain these days. Maybe you're just getting started and need to get the basics on distributed ledger technology. Or maybe you're further along in your journey and need to build on what you already know. Either way, you're sure to find something useful in the modules below, which start with the fundamentals and then show you how to build apps of increasing complexity. You can then explore various use cases to get an expanded view of all that blockchain has to offer.
Objectives
Upon completion of this learning path, you will be able to:
- Understand the fundamental concepts behind digitial ledgers and, more specifically, blockchain technology, as well as the open source Hyperledger projects.
- Spin up a blockchain network based on the open source Hyperledger Fabric framework.
- Develop a smart contract with the IBM Blockchain Platform VS Code extension.
- Build a basic blockchain network, create and execute a blockchain smart contract, and emit events from the blockchain platform.
- Build a more advanced app using Blockchain Solution Manager and Blockchain Document Store, connected with the IBM Blockchain Platform.
- Deploy Hyperledger Fabric locally with Ethereum Virtual Machine and create a proxy for interacting with a smart contract through a Node.js web app.
- Draw on your understanding of a broad range of blockchain use cases, including insurance, finance, and retail.
Prerequisite knowledge
Since this learning path is designed for beginners, no prerequisite knowledge is required to begin. However, as you progress through the modules, you will draw on the skills and knowledge you have gained along the way, and you will need to have some practical knowledge of Visual Studio Code, Node.js, Kubernetes, and Docker containers.
Skill level
The skill level of this learning path is beginner to intermediate.
Estimated time to complete
Depending on your level of expertise, it should take you about 12 hours to complete all of the modules in this learning path:
- Blockchain fundamentals — 3 hours
- Start building blockchain applications — 2 hours
- Move on to more advanced apps — 2 hours
- Use cases: See blockchain in action — 5 hours
Modules
This learning path consists of the following modules:
Blockchain fundamentals
Blockchain basics: Introduction to distributed ledgers
This tutorial looks at how a blockchain network operates, how you can take advantage of it, and how IBM and other companies are collaborating to advance the technology across a spectrum of industries.
Blockchain basics: Glossary and use cases
Written to accompany the previous tutorial, this reference doc provides an overview of the lingo and shows you how businesses can capitalize on this powerful emerging technology.
IBM Blockchain 101: Quick-start guide for developers
This quick-start guide is for application developers who are exploring blockchain technology and want to quickly spin up a blockchain pre-production network, deploy sample applications, and develop and deploy client applications.
Start building blockchain applications
Develop a smart contract with the IBM Blockchain Platform VS Code extension
Learn the process of using IBM Blockchain Platform's VS Code extension to streamline the process of developing, testing, and deploying a smart contract. This tutorial shows you how to quickly develop, demo, and deploy your blockchain application on a local Hyperledger Fabric network using VS Code.
Build your first blockchain application
This series of developer code patterns takes you step-by-step through the process of building a working blockchain application. You'll learn how to build a basic blockchain network, create and execute a blockchain smart contract, and emit events from the blockchain platform.
Move on to more advanced apps
Create a blockchain app for loyalty points with Hyperledger Fabric Ethereum Virtual Machine
Deploy Fabric locally with EVM and create a proxy for interacting with a smart contract through a Node.js web app. This code pattern illustrates how Ethereum tools can be used in a blockchain application with a Fabric network.
Build a digital asset management application using blockchain
This developer pattern shows how to set up a digital asset management application with smart contracts that govern the transactions performed by registered users of the system on the digital assets maintained in the system.
Use cases: See blockchain in action
Build a blockchain insurance app
Blockchain is revolutionizing the way financial organizations do business, and the insurance industry is no exception. This code pattern shows you how to implement a web-based blockchain app using Hyperledger Fabric to facilitate insurance sales and claims.
Create a fair trade supply chain network
Learn how to create a blockchain app that increases visibility and efficiency in the supply chain of a coffee retailer, enabling a traceable, trackable coffee trade. See how blockchain can help farmers, roasters, and everyone in between bring you a fresher, fairer cup.
Create a global finance blockchain application with IBM Blockchain Platform Extension for VS Code
This application uses blockchain technology to track actions on an order by the the various members of a network — buyer, seller, provider, shipper, and finance company. See how the app tracks these actions, and see how dispute resolution can be applied across industry verticals to resolve disputes.
Next steps
Find additional blockchain learning resources on the IBM Developer Blockchain hub.
Keep up with the latest blockchain developments with the IBM Developer Blockchain newsletter. Subscribe now and check out our recent issues.
Get a close-up look at the IBM Blockchain Platform and find out what it can do for your business.
And be sure to follow IBM Developer on Twitter.