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Solidity for Beginners: A Guide to Getting Started

Solidity is a pristine programming language formulated explicitly for developing smart contracts for the Ethereum blockchain.  The newly developed language has gained a significant role under Ethereum’s contracts framework that is of great importance in blockchain technology; in fact, you will be required to learn the language in order to code Ethereum Dapps (Decentralized Applications). The developers created this language with an aim to showcase the real potential of the system of smart contracts in the realm of digital exchanges. 

This article will provide you with a detailed understanding of smart contract systems, solidity language, functionality, and solidity basics. These fundamentals will lend you basic knowledge about the subject to help you in getting started.

Table of Content

  • What are smart contacts?
  • What is Solidity?
  • Solidity basics for beginners. 
  • How is compiling and testing of smart contact done?
  • An overview: Solidity flow of execution
  • Closing Thoughts.

What Are Smart Contracts?

The term smart contracts have gained a ton of publicity since its formulation; it’s been at the center of attention just like other popular terms like AI (artificial intelligence),  Machine Learning, Blockchain, etc. Smart contracts, also known as crypto-contracts, are automatic computer programs that empower currency tradings, digital asset exchanges, and other kinds of businesses. These exchanges are secured by a predefined set of rules summoned as a smart contract system. Thus, smart contracts not just guarantee that both the parties are adhering to the principles and regulations of the smart contract but also automatically implement the contract obligations.

What is Solidity?

Solidity is the principal programming language for assembling smart contracts utilized in the Ethereum blockchain. It is a contract-based language, which implies that smart contracts are liable for putting away the entirety of the programming reasoning on which the Ethereum blockchain runs. It is statically formulated to uphold essential elements like libraries, legacy and that’s just the beginning! 

Solidity is an easy language purposely made for an oversimplified way to provide genuine solutions for the issues of real-world use cases. The language has been implemented on the Ethereum platform, a Virtual Machine carrying out the blockchain network to foster decentralized public records to make smart contract frameworks. This programming language has similar functions as JavaScript and C++. Moreover, the language upholds state factors such as value types, data types and programming capacities. 

However, the language still deals with constant updates and modifications across the platform. Subsequently, an aspiring SOLIDITY DEVELOPER should be aware of the updates through forums of the Ethereum platform, chat rooms, and websites. Currently, Ethereum and Solidity are both going through visionary growth. 

Solidity Basics for beginners 

Solidity language supports the following general  value types:

  • Booleans: It returns a true or false value. 
  • Integers: The int/unit for both unsigned and signed integers are supported by Solidity.   
  • Address: An address can carry up to a 20-byte value. 
  • String Literals: String literals are depicted using either double or single quotes.  They imply trailing value zeroes. 
  • Modifier:  Modifiers ensure the fulfillment of the predefined conditions before code execution.
  • Mappings: Mappings return values related to a given storage site. 

These generic value types can be further integrated to develop complex data types.

How is the compiling and testing of smart contract done?

Once you have created a smart contract using Solidity on a local system, install an easy-to-use test environment that accepts simple Truffle commands. The compiler transforms the source code into the Ethereum Virtual Machine code, allowing you to test your code without needing to pay Ether coins.

An overview: Solidity flow of execution  

The syntactical consonance of Solidity with another programming language, JavaScript, has extensively improved the system’s usability. As a beginner, you must have a clear idea of the execution process under a solidity programming language command:

The Ethereum format documentation draws out an instruction text size of 32-byte containing a stack and memory model. The EVM generates a program stack that monitors the registries under information storage and program counter. To keep a successive stream to control the program, the program counter loops/jumps.

Additionally, the virtual memory lends short memory for information distribution that is expandable to some degree compared to a permanent storage allowance provided by the nodes of the blockchain.

The aim of creating solidity language for Ethereum is to maintain the determinism and accuracy of smart contracts. The node executes programming tools and smart contracts within the connected blocks in the Ethereum for creating a new block. 

This implies the code being executed is enrolled based on the sequence of the block.

While entering the new stage of the execution process, the program phase gets shifted to new storage exchanges. At first, these exchanges are performed at the miner’s location. After execution, the new block is dissipated to different working nodes within the blockchain.

To confirm the credibility of the framework of smart contracts, every node autonomously checks the block by correlating the state changes by using any local copy of the block. In cases where the state changes are deterministic, nodes of the blockchain accept the exchanges. Similarly, in a circumstance where the nodes could not reach an agreement, the execution of the block stops, and the network may end.

Closing Thoughts

Solidity is the language that has the power to develop the frameworks of contracts with robust functionality. Smart contracts have generated ample opportunities for further blockchain developments and multiple sectors of online business. Hopefully, you learned the fundamentals of solidity programming language to use while creating your smart contract.

Learn more about blockchain technology under the guidance of a highly qualified Ethereum expert at the BLOCKCHAIN COUNCIL.

Solidity for Beginners: A Guide to Getting Started

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Hyperledger Fabric: Most Essential Features & Applications You Need to Know

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We get to see countless tools and frameworks being included in the field of Blockchain technology as it continues to expand. Hyperledger is one such popular Blockchain framework.

It consists of uncountable tools to streamline the development process of Blockchain applications and systems through improved collaboration between developers and businesses working with the technology of Distributed Ledger.

We are going to cover up everything about Hyperledger fabric in this article.

What is Meant by Hyperledger Fabric?

One of the popular and widely used Blockchain frameworks is Hyperledger Fabric, similar to the concept of Hyperledger Sawtooth technology.

Being an enterprise-class framework based on DLT, it focuses on aiming to offer versatility and modularity. The modular architecture of Fabric can be out to diverse uses in the industry of the technology of Blockchain.

Hyperledger Fabric: Most Essential Features & Applications You Need to Know

The core feature of Hyperledger Development:

Hyperledger Fabric development offers various features as described below:

  • A consensus of plug-&-play is featured by Hyperledger Fabric.
  • It supports Solidity and EVM.
  • It offers enhanced flexibility to data privacy. It performs the process of data isolation through “channels” and also leverages ‘collections’ of private data.
  • Hyperledger Fabric is incorporated with permission and highly modular architecture.
  • The smart open contract control model of Hyperledger Fabric contributes to flexibility.
  • The lower latency of confirmation makes it preferable.
  • Hyperledger fabric supports query-able data.
  • It supports continuous operations, along with an asymmetric version of support and rolling upgrades.
  • Multiple language-based smart control support for coding languages like JavaScript, Go, and Java is available.

The organizations (referred to as members) that come along for building a consortium together set up the permission Blockchain network, Hyperledger Fabric.

The architecture of network-within-network is probably the finest characteristic of Fabric. Although network members keep intention for collaborating, they keep up discreet relationships in the network because every member organization needs to hold their privatized data securely.

The network’s every member organization makes a setup particularly for their peers participating in the said network. Cryptographic elements like Certificate Authority are used to configure the peers.

Clients in the organization send transaction invocation requests to peers. They leverage the REST web service or Fabric SDK and communicate with the network of Fabric. The transaction invocation request is triggered by the chain code already installed in peer nodes.

All peers preserve only one ledger on every channel to which they subscribe, as the network of Fabric is contingent on DLT in the Hyperledger Blockchain framework. The peers in the network of Hyperledger play different roles, unlike Ethereum. Following are the types of peers:

  • Anchor peer: While configuring a channel, a single or a bunch of anchors are simultaneously configured. The endorser sends an update to anchor peers regarding the transactions. The anchor peer receives it and sends the update to various other peers. Anchor peers come with a discoverable feature and thus can be effortlessly found out by any peer.
  • Endorser peer: These nodes simulate the outcome of a transaction besides validating it and executing the chain code. But these peers cannot update the ledger.
  • Orderer peer: These peers act as the chief interaction channel of the network. An Orderer peer makes the block followed by sending it to different peers. It maintains a constant ledger set in the network.

Applications of Hyperledger Fabric:

The applications of Fabric in Blockchain Hyperledger platforms are described below:

  1. Diamond Tracing:

The diamonds pass through multiple hands during extraction and mining. And it is prone to fraud and double-dealing. So, strict measures are required. The Hyperledger Fabric allows miners, retailers, separators, and exporters to develop a consortium. The Fabric keeps the whole process transparent by recording and tracking every transaction.

2. Digital payments:

Hyperledger being a decentralized private network of Blockchain, it allows secure transactions. Fabric focuses on making the financial sector’s Interledger. It facilitates easy carrying out of transactions via similar channels. It encourages communication amongst various international payment systems available worldwide.

3. Digital identity:

Cybercrimes and data breaches are growing. And the companies are concerned about the security of their network and credentials. Blockchain technology is now incorporated to boost this safety.

4. B2B contracts:

The automation of contractual agreements is enabled, as Hyperledger Fabric allows enterprises to codify the business contracts. It also facilitates safety and security. The network-inside-network architecture of Fabric makes sure that sensitive and confidential data of B2B contracts are safe and secure.

5. Food supply chain:

Fabric is used to form consortiums by the food production companies and sector. This enhances the entire process of food supply and gains customer trust. Regardless of the time, the data of the food supply chain, its history, and the present location of a food item can be accessed.

Conclusion:

The above-mentioned features and applications of the Hyperledger framework signify that it holds a robust capability for the technology of Blockchain. Thus, Hyperledger development tools can be used for making efficient and powerful non-monetary and industrial applications.

Hyperledger Fabric: Most Essential Features & Applications You Need to Know

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Top 30 Interview Questions for Ethereum & Smart Contracts

Top 30 Interview Questions for Ethereum & Smart ContractsAre you planning to prepare yourself for Ethereum interviews and become a successful Ethereum Expert? You have landed on the right page. This article talks about the top Ehereum and Smart Contract interview questions so that you can mentally prepare answers for them.

Table of Contents 

  • Top Ethereum and Smart Contract Questions You Should be Prepared for 
  • Concluding Lines

Top Ethereum and Smart Contract Questions You Should be Prepared for 

1 ) What is Ethereum?

Ethereum is an open software platform based on blockchain that runs on a network rather than running on a single computer. It offers Ethereum developers and experts a decentralized trust-less platform to build and deploy decentralized applications that run on the Ethereum blockchain and whose execution is monitored by thousands of peers.

 2) What is that primary function that powers applications and programs built on Ethereum?

Smart Contracts

3)  What are Smart Contracts?

Smart Contracts can be defined as digital agreements that execute automatically based on real-world input data. They are computer program code capable of facilitating, executing, and enforcing the performance of an agreement utilizing Blockchain technology. 

4)  Explain Ether

Ether is Ethereum’s native cryptocurrency, which is arguably the second most popular digital token after bitcoin (BTC).
Ether can also be termed as a significant fuel for operating the distributed application platform Ethereum.

5 ) How Ethereum differs from Bitcoin?

Bitcoin was created with the aim of providing an alternative to national currencies. In contrast, Ethereum was introduced as an open platform to promote immutable, programmatic contracts and applications via its very own currency, Eth. Where Bitcoin transactions take minutes, Ethereum transactions are executed in seconds. Also, Bitcoin is just a cryptocurrency, whereas Ethereum is also a ledger technology that organizations are utilizing for building new programs and decentralized applications. And out of both the technologies, Ethereum is far more robust.

Want to become a Certified Ethereum Expert? Sign up to the Blockchain Council now!

6) How Ethereum differs from Ripple?

Taking about Ripple, the main aim of Ripple is to allow real-time global payments globally without the usual friction of exchange rates. On the other hand, Ethereum aims at broadening the use of blockchain technology using smart contracts. It enables smart contracts and decentralized applications to be built and run without any downtime, fraud, or interference from a third party. 

Ripple uses a mechanism called Federated Byzantine Agreement (FBA), which works differently to Proof-of-State(PoS), that Ethereum uses as a consensus mechanism.

7) What is EVM?

Ethereum Virtual Machine(EVM) is a decentralized virtual machine handling scripts using the public nodes network.  EVM is operated in a sandboxed environment which is isolated from the main network. It is assumed to be a perfect testing environment.

8)  What is the average block size and block time in Ethereum?

Block size in Ethereum is around 30-50 kb and the block time is approximately 10-15 seconds. 

9) What is Blockchain technology?

Blockchain is a chain of blocks(data) stored on multiple computers (servers) distributed over a vast geographical region. It is a distributed ledger that maintains a copy of all digital assets.

It is said to be a decentralized distributed ledger tracking of one or more digital assets on a peer-to-peer network(P2P).

10) What is a node in Ethereum? How can you connect with a node? 

A node is a computer connected to the network, which is responsible for processing transactions. You can connect to a node by WS-RPC, JSON-RPC, and IPC-RPC.

11 ) Can you “hide” a transaction? Where are transactions stored?

No. It is impossible to hide a transaction, and all transactions are visible to everyone. Transactions are stored in a public ledger.

12) What is the role of the consensus algorithm? Ethereum uses which consensus?

A blockchain’s consensus mechanism ensures that there is agreement among various parties on the current state of the blockchain and determines who can add new blocks of transactions. Further, it ensures that the chain is not re-written.

Ethereum has switched from Proof-of-Work(PoW) to Proof-of-State(PoS) consensus mechanism.

13) How to obtain Ethers?

Ethers can be obtained by mining or by trading Ethers with other cryptocurrencies. 

14) What are dApps?

Decentralized applications (dApps) are digital applications that exist and run on a peer to peer(P2P) network of computers instead of a single computer. 

15) Which programming language is used to write smart contracts and dApps?

Solidity is the primary programming language used for writing smart contracts and dApps. 

16) What is Truffle?

Truffle is an open-source framework for rapid dApp development and smart contract life cycle management. It is considered to be a perfect framework for developers using Ethereum.

17) What are the roles and responsibilities of an Ethereum Developer?

Ethereum developers work on Blockchain enterprise technology framework design and development solutions. They are responsible for preparing system modules, design documents, and system testing documents as per project requirements. He also works on system architecture and the implementation of the blockchain program function module. He participates in the design of security protocols and architecture.

18) Explain DAO.

Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAO) is a decentralized organization with one or more smart contracts that can be run by writing a program deployed on the Ethereum Blockchain platform. 

DAO eliminates the need for third-party involvement as it is owned globally by every token holder. 

19) Explain how PoW consensus works.

The central principle behind PoW consensus is to solve complex mathematical problems and make the largest number of guesses as quickly as possible. Such requires a lot of computational power, and by using a more efficient mining machine to run calculations, a miner can maximize profitability in terms of crypto rewards. 

In this type of consensus mechanism, miners compete to be the first one to find a hash regarding a particular block, which can only be solved using sheer computing power to make the largest number of guesses. When a miner finds the right solution, they advertise it to the whole network, receiving a reward in cryptocurrency provided by the protocol. 

20) Explain the Concept of PoS

Proof-of-Stake is a consensus algorithm that deals with the main drawbacks of PoW. In this mechanism, every block gets validated before the network adds another block to the blockchain ledger. Unlike PoW, where miners have to solve complex puzzles, in PoS, miners can join the mining process using their coins to stake. It allows users to mine for rewards using very minimal hardware and software resources. Here, the mining capacity of a particular miner depends on how many coins they already have; thus, the more coins one has, the better chances are, which indicates only the richest can have control of the consensus.

21) State the importance of account nonce in Ethereum?

An account nonce determines a transaction counter in each account. It is helpful in preventing replay attacks. 

22) Define MetaMask.

MetaMask is a cryptocurrency wallet and also a web browser extension used to store, send and receive Ethereum and ERC20. 

23) What are Ethereum wallets?

Ethereum wallets are a piece of software that allows users to interact with their Ethereum account. These wallets are essential because before you can start trading Ether, you need to store it somewhere, and there comes the role of wallets.

24) What do you know about hardware Ethereum wallets?

If you want a high level of security, consider using this wallet. These are more secure because they store private keys on a physical chip. Since these wallets do not require an internet connection, they make your funds completely immune from all types of cyber-attacks and hacks. Moreover, such wallets offer multiple ways to access the keys. 

25) What are the types of Ethereum networks that exist?

These are of three types:

  • Private Blockchain Network
  • TestNet: The Test Ethereum Network
  • Live Network: The main Network

26)  Mention some of the popular Blockchain-based smart contracts.

  1. Ethereum
  2. NEM
  3. Hyperledger
  4. EOSIO
  5. RSK

27) Are there any standards for Smart Contracts?

Unlike legal slot machines, there are no standards and no government agencies that test and verify the accuracy of smart contracts. However, a certain level of trust must exist between the contracting parties. 

28) What is the first thing that you must define in a Solidity file?

The version number of Solidity is the first thing you must specify as it reduces incompatibility glitches that can occur while compiling with another version. 

29) Define Remix?

A remix is an online platform for developing smart contracts. You can use solidity programs and develop your own smart contracts.

30) Gas usage in a transaction depends on which factors? Also, tell me how you can calculate the transaction fee?

Gas usage depends upon two factors: the first is the amount of storage, and the second one is a set of instructions used in a smart contract. 

The transaction fee can be calculated by using the following formula:

Ether = Tx Fees = Gas Limit * Gas Price

Concluding Lines

Hope these interview questions and answers will help you to land your dream job as an Ethereum Expert or a Smart Contract Developer.

If you are a beginner and want to get started as a learned and Certified Etherum Expert, you can get enrolled in Blockchain Council.

To get instant updates about Blockchain Technology and to learn more about online Blockchain Certifications, check out Blockchain Council. 

Top 30 Interview Questions for Ethereum & Smart Contracts

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MetaMask’s ConsenSys Reveals New “Custom Networks” Layer 2 Solution

At this point, everyone with their ear to the ground knows of Ethereum’s massive problem when it comes to transaction fees on the Layer 1 network, not to mention the overall congestion in the network traffic. As one would imagine, it’s been a race for the crypto community to pile on the new “Layer 2” solutions in order to try and bypass these rampant fees. ConsenSys stands as the latest figure to recognize and respond to this, coming with a new Custom Networks API for the MetaMask wallet.

Layer 2 Networks Brought To MetaMask

With this new service, developers are capable of recommending an array of chains to their respective users, Layer 2 chains included.

The firm started off its announcement by highlighting the rampant success of Ethereum, which is ironically causing all the problems when it comes to network transactions. ConsenSys highlighted that Ethereum’s fundamentals are stronger than ever, showing that $12 billion in transaction volumes occurred every day, spread out by 1.3 million transactions. Now, however, the firm emphasized the need for off-chain Layer 2 processing.

The Latest Innovations

Metamask can now incorporate any chain as a custom network, the only mandate being that it has the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) enabled. This all can be done through the MetaMask API, where networks can then be added to the menus of the users, all through a simple confirmation process. After that, it’s a matter of ease for any user to switch between these networks, using the usual network switching menus

ConsenSys highlighted that sidechains, as well as Layer 2 networks, can be added, so a user can incorporate everything from xDAI to Arbitrum to their menus.

Nothing’s Pure Good

However, not everything’s all fine and dandy. The firm was quick to issue out a general warning against untrusted networks, advising users to read the documentation regarding setting them up. It’s a sad fact that MetaMask is both one of the most popular user wallets out there and one of the biggest hubs of bad actors and scammers, as well. It’s almost impossible to have the one without the other.

One of the few (immediate) benefits that this recent market crash had enacted, was that the Ethereum network’s gas prices started to settle down. Now, however, with the market in full-scale recovery, it’s clear that these prices are only going to go up. Until ETH 2.0 launches, the only viable option now available is to make use of sidechains.

MetaMask’s ConsenSys Reveals New “Custom Networks” Layer 2 Solution

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Ethereum Vs. Hyperledger: A Comprehensive Guide

This article talks about the major differences between two of the most popular blockchain platforms, Ethereum and Hyperledger, explaining how they differ in terms of use-cases, operation, consensus, and so on. 

Table of Contents 

  • What is Ethereum?
  • What is Hyperledger?
  • Ethereum Vs. Hyperledger
  • Concluding Lines: Which Is The Best Among The Two?

What is Ethereum?

Ethereum can be defined as an open-source platform for decentralized applications. Based on Blockchain technology, this platform aims to empower users to come up with secure digital agreements and have full control of their money. 

Apart from this, Ethereum claims to have the second-largest market cap in the cryptocurrency world, Bitcoin being the first. 

What is Hyperledger?

Hyperledger is an open-source global collaboration that helps in creating and developing enterprise-grade and distributed ledger frameworks to accelerate the development of cross-industry blockchain technologies. 

Ethereum Vs. Hyperledger

Both Ethereum and Hyperledger can be distinguished based on the following parameters:

  • Purpose of the Platforms
  • Operation Mode 
  • Peer Role
  • Confidentiality Level In Each
  • Consensus Mechanism 
  • Programming Languages

Purpose of the Platforms

Ethereum: Ethereum was introduced with the sole purpose of running smart contracts on EVM. It also enables the deployment of decentralized applications, also known as dApps. 

Hyperledger: This platform was introduced to accelerate industry-wide collaboration for developing high-performance and reliable blockchain. This platform also enables people to develop personalized blockchains for their various needs.

Please note that Hyperledger is for a B2B business, whereas Ethereum is a B2C business.

Operation Mode 

Ethereum: The operation mode in Ethereum is public, which means anyone can access the Blockchain network, and no permission is needed to access the network. 

Hyperledger: Hyperledger, on the other hand, is a private Blockchain, meaning only the authorized participants can access the network. In other words, we can say that the network is limited to a predefined community of participants with permission.

Peer Role

In Ethereum, each peer has a role, meaning that if a transaction takes place, several nodes have to participate in it for its completion, which leads to several issues such as scalability, privacy, and efficiency.
On the other hand, Hyperledger offers a distributed ledger technology(DLT) that doesn’t rely on informing each peer in the network to perform a transaction.

Confidentiality Level In Each

If we talk about Ethereum, it is a public network, which means all the transactions recorded on the Blockchain network are visible and accessible by every peer. Whereas Hyperledger is private and permissioned, meaning transactions taking place on the network are only visible to the authorized members. 

Consensus Mechanism 

Ethereum leverages Proof-of-Stake(PoS) consensus in which all the nodes have to reach a consensus. Hyperledger, on the other hand, uses a different type of consensus. In this, nodes are allowed to choose between no consensus needed and an agreement protocol. For instance, the Robust Byzantine Fault Tolerance (RBFT) consensus mechanism is used in Hyperledger Indy.

Programming Languages

Smart contracts in Ethereum are written in Solidity programming language, and it is considered to be the native language of Ethereum. Hyperledger uses Golang for writing smart contracts.

Concluding Lines: Which Is The Best Among The Two?

As we have discussed all the major points of differences between the two, here comes the question: Out of these, which is the better one? 

Here it is important to note that there is no straightforward or right answer to this question, and each of these platforms has its own significance. One can use Ethereum when one wishes to come up with dApps and smart contracts for performing multiple tasks.  On the contrary, if one wishes to develop B2B applications, choose Hyperledger.

The demand for Ethereum Experts and Hyperledger Professionals is soaring. If you are planning to learn and upskill, this is the right time to invest your time and go for Blockchain Certifications.  If you want to start or revamp your career in the Blockchain space, getting enrolled in Blockchain Council can help you in doing so. 

To get instant updates about Blockchain Technology and to learn more about online Blockchain Certifications, check out Blockchain Council. 

Ethereum Vs. Hyperledger: A Comprehensive Guide

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