Blockchain is a revolutionary technology that enables peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries, using cryptography and consensus mechanisms. However, blockchain can also be a complex and confusing topic, with many concepts and terms that may be unfamiliar or unclear. If you want to master key blockchain concepts and terms, here are some tips to help you.
Before diving into the details, you need to understand the fundamentals of blockchain, such as what it is, how it works, and why it matters. You can start by reading some introductory articles, books, or courses that explain the main features and benefits of blockchain, such as decentralization, immutability, transparency, and security. You can also watch some videos or podcasts that illustrate the use cases and applications of blockchain in different industries and sectors.
Back when I was starting to read and learn more about blockchain and cryptocurrencies, there wasn't much content online which led me to the free online course offered by the University of Nicosia. The course was quite comprehensive and gave me basic understanding of main concepts. The course runs for 3 months, so as an alternative, I highly recommend the watching WhiteBoard Crypto youtube channel. Short, easy to digest videos on all blockchain and crypto concepts.
Blockchain has its own vocabulary, with many acronyms, jargon, and slang that can be confusing or intimidating. You need to familiarize yourself with the common terms and definitions that are used in the blockchain space, such as blocks, hashes, nodes, miners, wallets, addresses, transactions, smart contracts, tokens, and so on. You can use online glossaries, dictionaries, or cheat sheets that provide concise and clear explanations of these terms, or you can look them up on reliable sources, such as official websites, white papers, or blogs.
The is no better way to explore and understand the crypto and blockchain jargon, than to be fully immersed in the space. I'm not talking about just reading, but actually practicing what you research. Reading about a crypto wallet and blockchain transactions is one thing, but the experience you get from creating your first wallet, storing your keys and conducting your first transaction, checking it on a blockchain explorer are one of the things that make these concepts stick. So practice what your read (responsibly and safely of course)
One of the best ways to learn and master blockchain concepts and terms is to interact with other people who are interested or involved in blockchain. You can join online forums, groups, or platforms that are dedicated to blockchain discussions, such as Reddit, Telegram, Discord, or Twitter. You can also attend events, meetups, or webinars that offer opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and get feedback from experts, peers, or mentors. You can also participate in challenges, hackathons, or projects that allow you to apply your knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios.
One of the things that helped me a lot with my journey is reaching out to people in the space for discussions , help and advice. I got to connect with some amazing individuals over the years from different communities. People who are now very good friends and helped me a lot with my web3 journey. Saying yes and applying to contribute my time to exploring and learning also helped a lot.
Another way to deepen your understanding of blockchain concepts and terms is to use some of the tools and resources that are available for blockchain enthusiasts and developers. You can try out some of the popular platforms, frameworks, or protocols that enable you to create, deploy, and interact with blockchain networks and applications, such as Ethereum, Hyperledger, Truffle, Ganache, Solidity, or Web3.js. You can also use some of the online simulators, sandboxes, or testnets that allow you to experiment with blockchain features and functions without risking real money or data.
To experiment in blockchain and crypto, you need to jump through some hoops and overcome some obstacles in order to actually start using an application. It's not like you just login with your gmail and your good to go. There is a steep learning curve but once you overcome that initial stage, experimenting gets to be really fun. The biggest unlock from experimentation is the understanding of true digital ownership. You wallet becomes your internet backpack which its constituents can be transported and used (sometimes) across multiple applications and blockchains.
Blockchain is a fast-evolving and dynamic technology, with new developments, innovations, and trends emerging constantly. You need to stay updated and informed about the latest news, updates, and insights that affect the blockchain industry and community. You can follow some of the reputable and influential sources, such as websites, blogs, podcasts, newsletters, or magazines that cover blockchain topics and issues. You can also subscribe to some of the curated and comprehensive newsletters or digests that provide summaries and highlights of the most important and relevant information and events.
I spend a good amount of time daily on twitter and telegram to keep up to date with the latest themes, events and innovation in the space. It gets very tiring but feels like being part of a new evolving internet.
Finally, you need to review and revise your knowledge and skills regularly, to ensure that you master and retain the key blockchain concepts and terms. You can use some of the online quizzes, tests, or assessments that help you evaluate your level of understanding and proficiency, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You can also use some of the flashcards, cheat sheets, or notes that help you memorize and recall the essential terms and definitions. You can also revisit some of the sources, tools, or projects that help you refresh and reinforce your learning and practice.