About the Project

This eight-week project provides a structured introduction to Web3 focusing on blockchain, covering topics from fundamentals to real-world applications. Participants will engage in theoretical learning and hands-on development, culminating in the creation of a fully functional decentralized application(DApp).

Resources

🗓️ Week 1: Intro to Web3 and Blockchain

🌐 What is Web3? The Concept of Decentralization

• What is Web3? (FreeCodeCamp)
  We recommend that you read this before attending. It gives a basic understanding of Web3.

• The Web3 Reading List (PDF)
  A slightly longer PDF covering a wide range of topics like Web3 applications, DAOs, DeFi, and Dapps. (Optional for now, will look into applications soon)

• Web3 vs Web 3.0 (LeewayHertz)
  Clarifies the distinction between Web3 and Web 3.0.

• Why Decentralization Matters (cdixon.org)
  We suggest reading this at the end of Week 1. Gives a gist of the possibilities decentralizations opens up.

🔐 Public and Private Key Cryptography

Basic cryptography concepts to understand how identity verification methods like passwords can be eliminated.

• Asymmetric and Symmetric Encryption (YouTube)
• Private and Public Key Cryptography (YouTube)
• Hashing and Hashing Algorithms (YouTube)

⛓️ Blockchain, Bitcoin, and Ethereum

• What is a Blockchain? (YouTube)
• Bitcoin Whitepaper (PDF)
  Gives more insight into PoW consensus.
• What is Ethereum?
  Very important as we will be working on ethereum testnets primarily for our DApp.
• Types of Blockchain (GeeksforGeeks)

⚖️ Consensus Mechanisms: PoW and PoS

• What is Proof of Work? (Binance Academy)
• What is Proof of Stake? (Ethereum.org)
• 51% Attack (YouTube)

🌳 Merkle Trees

• Merkle Trees (GeeksforGeeks)

🕵️ Zero-Knowledge Proofs

• Zero-Knowledge Proofs (YouTube)

🧩 Interactive Learning Tool

• Blockchain Demo (Anders Brownworth)
  A tool that is very useful for visual understanding. Highly recommended.