Introduction

Welcome to our exploration of blockchain technology, a crucial component of modern computer science. This guide is designed to provide both newcomers and experienced students with a thorough understanding of blockchain platforms, their applications, and their significance in today's digital landscape.

What is Blockchain?

Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that allows multiple parties to record transactions without the need for intermediaries. It's the backbone of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin but has far-reaching implications beyond financial systems.

Key Characteristics

1. Decentralized: No central authority controls the network.
2. Immutable: Transactions are recorded permanently and cannot be altered.
3. Transparent: All transactions are visible to all participants.
4. Consensus-driven: Network nodes agree on the state of the blockchain through complex algorithms.

Blockchain Platforms

Let's delve into some popular blockchain platforms used in various industries:

1. Ethereum

Ethereum is one of the most widely-used blockchain platforms, known for its smart contract functionality.

Features:

• Turing-complete scripting language (Solidity)
• Decentralized applications (dApps) can be built on top of it
• Supports decentralized finance (DeFi) projects

Example: Simple Smart Contract

package main

import (
	"fmt"
	"github.com/hyperledger/fabric-chaincode-go/shim"
)

func main() {
	cc := shim.NewChaincodeStub("mycc", nil)
	fmt.Println("Hello from 'mycc'!")
}
``

This example shows a basic chaincode written in Go, which is commonly used for Hyperledger Fabric development.

### 3. Corda

Corda is a distributed ledger platform specifically designed for financial institutions.

#### Features:
- Designed for regulated financial markets
- Focuses on compliance and regulatory requirements
- Uses Java-based programming model

#### Example: Basic CorDapp

kotlin
kotlin