Build your foundational blockchain knowledge and unlock your future as a blockchain developer or web3 professional. The all-new Blockchain Basics is a comprehensive, beginner-friendly course designed to take you from zero to proficient in blockchain fundamentals in just a few hours.
You’ll gain a deep understanding of how decentralized technologies work, from sending your first transaction to grasping the core architecture of blockchain systems.
00:00 - Introduction
19:16 - What is a Blockchain
1:33:50 - Sending Transactions
2:24:38 - Blockchain Architecture
4:26:26 - Blockchain Use Cases
5:07:03 - Scalability
5:41:27 - Congratulations
You will learn:
How Proof of Work and Proof of Stake blockchains function
The oracle problem and why it matters
Wallet setup, testnet usage, and gas mechanics
The structure and lifecycle of on-chain transactions
Intro to account abstraction and EIP-4337
Blockchain attack vectors: MEV, 51% attacks, Sybil attacks, and blockchain reorganisations
The role of rollups and why L2s like ZKsync are important
Blockchain Basics teaches you what actually matters: how blockchain networks operate, what wallets do, how smart contracts create trust-minimized agreements, and why decentralization changes the game for ownership and innovation.
It blends theoretical clarity with engaging, hands-on activities like setting up your first wallet, sending testnet transactions, and interacting with protocols.
Alongside technical skills, you’ll build critical mental models for understanding gas, signatures, consensus mechanisms, and the lifecycle of a blockchain transaction.
The course will also introduce you to key real-world use cases such as DeFi, NFTs, RWAs, DEXs, and stablecoins, and explain why these technologies are reshaping industries.
Even if you’re brand new to web3, this course will guide you step-by-step through complex topics with clarity. And, guide you to deeper learning based on your preferred career.
Cyfrin Links:
About The Instructors:
Jessica Young is a smart contract engineer and instructor at Cyfrin Updraft. You can follow here on Twitter/x:
https://x.com/0xjesstech