Blockchain technology has recently seen exponentially growing adoption across various industries. Today, it is a critical driver in the web3 revolution, impacting finance, healthcare, banking, and investing sectors. This surge in use has led to a growing demand for developers. Becoming a blockchain developer without tools like Tatum is no easy task, so we offer you the five best books for blockchain development.

Numerous career opportunities exist for blockchain developers. To succeed, you need to acquire comprehensive knowledge and skills, and the best way to do that is with books on blockchain development. These resources are essential for understanding and creating decentralised frameworks and applications known as dApps.

The blockchain era is indeed upon us, highlighted by the rise of Real World Assets (RWA), DeFi, and the metaverse. Aspiring blockchain developers should invest time and effort in finding high-quality learning materials. Books on blockchain development are essential. Of course, YouTube will help too, particularly our blockchain development-focused channel.

You can build the knowledge necessary for professional blockchain certifications with the right books. 

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Why You Should Read Books on Blockchain Development

Listen, books have been the center of education for centuries. Even today, in the world of ChatGPT and tools like Tatum, they can offer a valuable deep dive. Choosing the best book to help you understand crucial blockchain development concepts can be vital to success. Many of those recommended are already being used as textbooks by people studying blockchain, for instance, in Cyprus, a massive crypto economy. Below is a list of the best books for blockchain development that are suggested for those looking to become pros.

1) Blockchain with Hyperledger Fabric

Blockchain with Hyperledger Fabric is an excellent resource for developers and technology enthusiasts wanting to enter the world of enterprise blockchain solutions. Authored by seasoned experts in blockchain technology, this book offers a profound and practical guide to understanding and implementing blockchain systems using Hyperledger Fabric, an open-source blockchain framework hosted by the Linux Foundation.

First, the book explains essential aspects, key concepts, and the distinct features that make Hyperledger Fabric a practical choice. In fact, you will even delve into the architecture of Hyperledger Fabric, understanding its modular design and components such as peers, orderers, and channels. You will also explore a unique side of its consensus mechanism.

You will be guided through the installation and setup processes, ensuring a hands-on experience from the start. The book includes practical, real-world examples and step-by-step tutorials, helping you build, deploy, and manage blockchain networks with ease. Key topics include smart contract development—also known as chain code in Hyperledger Fabric—and the integration of these contracts into business processes.

Later sections of the book explore network configuration, security measures, and performance optimisation techniques. The authors have really laid it all out for you. Lastly, it addresses use cases across various industries, showcasing how Hyperledger Fabric can transform traditional business operations. You can find it on Amazon.

2) Mastering Ethereum

So, you want to learn how to build Ethereum dApps. In that case, you want to read Mastering Ethereum by Andreas M. Antonopoulos and Gavin Wood. Andreas is a well-known authority in the industry, while Gavin Wood, a co-founder of Ethereum, is a leading figure in the blockchain space. This book is highly regarded by developers aiming to master contract development on the Ethereum platform – the largest blockchain network in existence.

The duo begins by laying out the essential principles of Ethereum and its operational mechanics. Then, they transition into more advanced topics, focusing on the intricacies of smart contract development and how to ensure its security.

We all know that Ethereum stands out as a pivotal gateway into decentralised systems. The pioneering blockchain introduced programmable smart contracts, enabling decentralised applications to operate without central authority or single points of failure. This book offers a hands-on guide to blockchain development, with detailed instructions on building smart contracts and dApps on Ethereum and other EVM-compatible blockchains, like Polygon, Tron, and Cardano.

Mastering Ethereum equips you with the skills necessary to innovate in the ever-changing blockchain space. The book covers running an Ethereum client, creating and sending basictransactions, and smart contract programming. It delves into blockchain security, teaching about public key cryptography, digital signatures, and hashing techniques. Combining knowledge with practical applications is the key to success. You can find it on Amazon.

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3) Blockchain Basics: A Non-Technical Introduction in 25 Steps

Blockchain Basics: A Non-Technical Introduction in 25 Steps is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in understanding blockchain technology without diving into all the technical stuff. Authored by Daniel Drescher, this book is designed for readers with no prior knowledge of blockchain, making it accessible to basically anyone.

The book takes a unique approach by breaking down the fundamental concepts of blockchain into 25 clear and concise steps. Each step builds on the previous one, gradually introducing the reader to blockchain technology's core ideas and mechanisms. Drescher depends on straightforward language and relatable analogies, which means that even complex topics are easily understandable.

Throughout the book, you will gain a solid grasp of crucial blockchain concepts, including decentralisation, cryptographic hashing, consensus mechanisms, and smart contracts. There is also an extensive section about the potential applications of blockchain across various industries, highlighting its transformative potential beyond cryptocurrencies.

The book introduces you to the importance of understanding the principles behind blockchain rather than focusing on specific platforms or technical details. This tactic makes it an ideal resource for business professionals, policymakers, students, and anyone curious about how blockchain works and why it matters. Simply put, it is an excellent starting point for anyone.

By the end of the book, you will have a wide-ranging understanding of blockchain technology and its implications. Blockchain Basics: A Non-Technical Introduction in 25 Steps is a must-read for anyone looking to demystify blockchain and grasp its foundational concepts in an easy-to-follow format, but it is not for seasoned blockchain veterans. You can find it on Amazon.

4) Mastering Bitcoin: Unlocking Digital Cryptocurrencies

Another hugely popular book by Andreas M. Antonopoulos is Mastering Bitcoin. It is for anyone looking to understand Bitcoin and its ideals better. This comprehensive guide offers both technical and non-technical readers an in-depth look at how Bitcoin works, its underlying principles, and its potential to reshape financial systems.

First, Antonopoulos clarifies complex Bitcoin concepts and provides a solid foundation for understanding digital currencies. The main focus points are Bitcoin's origins, historical context, and the basic principles underpinning its operation, such as cryptography, decentralisation, and blockchain technology.

As you progress, you delve deeper into the technical aspects of Bitcoin. The book covers everything you could think of, from addresses to mining. Antonopoulos provides detailed explanations and practical examples. He ensures readers understand how to use, store, and secure Bitcoin.

As with Blockchain Basics, the author heavily relies on real-world applications and use cases. Antonopoulos explores how Bitcoin can be used for remittances, micropayments, and financial inclusion. He also discusses the broader implications of Bitcoin and blockchain technology on the global economic system, pointing out its potential to compete with traditional banking and financial services.

When discussing advanced topics, the book uncovers the layers of ideas such as the Lightning Network, Segregated Witness (SegWit), and privacy enhancements, catering to those who want complex knowledge.

Mastering Bitcoin: Unlocking Digital Cryptocurrencies is a must-read for developers, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the future of money and financial innovation. With its clear explanations and practical insights, this book will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and succeed in the world of cryptocurrencies. You can count on that. You can find it on Amazon.

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5) The Blockchain Developer

If you want to become a blockchain developer, this book is an indispensable starting point. It is tailored for developers, architects, and tech enthusiasts who are eager to gain a deep understanding of blockchain development and its practical applications.

First on the agenda is to ensure that you, the reader, grasp the basics of decentralised networks, consensus algorithms, and cryptographic principles. Right after that, the author digs into the specifics of different blockchain platforms, including Ethereum and Hyperledger, providing a comparative analysis that helps you choose the right platform for your projects.

What makes The Blockchain Developer unique is its hands-on approach. The book is packed with detailed tutorials, examples, and step-by-step guides on building blockchain applications. You will learn how to develop smart contracts, create decentralised applications (dApps), and implement blockchain solutions for real-world problems. One of the most important aspects of blockchain—security—is intensively explained, together with scalability issues and performance optimisation techniques.

Elrom doesn’t just focus on the technical aspects of blockchain technology; he also explores its broader implications. He discusses its potential to disrupt various industries, from finance and supply chain management to healthcare and beyond. This contextual understanding helps you appreciate the transformative power of blockchain and its future prospects.

The later chapters include insights into the latest trends and advancements in the blockchain space, for instance interoperable decentralised finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). After reading this book, you will be prepared to jump into blockchain development. If you want to read the best books on blockchain, this one is a must. You can find it on Amazon.

6) Blockchain Revolution

Blockchain Revolution by Don and Alex Tapscott is a seminal work that explores the profound impact of blockchain technology on various facets of society and the global economy. This book serves as both an introduction and a deep dive into blockchain's transformative potential, making it accessible to newcomers and seasoned professionals.

Apart from a basic blockchain introduction, Tapscotts break down complex concepts into understandable terms. Included is historical context, tracing the origins of blockchain back to the advent of Bitcoin and exploring its evolution.

The book primarily focuses on how blockchain can revolutionise almost all industries and core government processes. By presenting real-world examples and case studies, the Tapscotts show readers how blockchain is already being used to enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in various sectors.

But things are not all good in the blockchain sector. The authors also tackle blockchain technology's challenges and obstacles, including regulatory hurdles, scalability issues, and public perception. They provide insightful analysis and propose potential solutions, taking blockchain's limitations into consideration.

Another exciting chapter delves into how this technology can change society and the world at large. It discusses how it can empower individuals, reduce corruption, and foster greater inclusivity in the global economy. The authors argue that blockchain can potentially create a more equitable and decentralised world.

Blockchain Revolution is a thought-provoking exploration of blockchain technology. Its emphasis on use cases makes it a rather interesting choice with much to offer. You can find it on Amazon.

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7) Blockchain Applications: A Hands-On Approach

Blockchain Applications: A Hands-On Approach by Arshdeep Bahga and Vijay Madisetti is more of a practical guide designed to equip readers with the skills and knowledge needed to build and deploy blockchain solutions. This book is ideal for developers, engineers, and technology enthusiasts who seek a comprehensive, application-oriented introduction to blockchain technology.

The duo provides an accessible overview of decentralised systems, cryptographic techniques, consensus mechanisms, and smart contracts, so you have a solid grasp of the fundamentals.

The book includes tutorials and real-world examples, covering various blockchain platforms like Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric, and Bitcoin. Each chapter is structured to build your knowledge on the topic progressively.

Tutorials present opportunities to build development environments, write and deploy smart contracts, and build decentralised applications (dApps). The authors provide code snippets, diagrams, and step-by-step instructions, making it easy for you to follow along and apply what you learn. As in other books, real-life applications of blockchain technology are explored.

Bahga and Madisetti will teach you about important topics such as security best practices, performance optimisation, and regulatory considerations so you know how to tackle the challenges of blockchain development. When you finish it, start developing with Tatum. Blockchain is both an excellent monetisable hobby and career option. You can find it on Amazon.

8) Ethereum for Web Developers

Bruno Skvorc managed to write an uncompromising guide tailored specifically for web developers who want to dive into the world of the Ethereum blockchain and decentralised applications (dApps). This book bridges the gap between traditional web development and the innovative possibilities offered by blockchain.

You will be introduced to Ethereum and, more importantly, Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Skvorc provides a concise yet thorough overview, making complex ideas accessible to developers familiar with web technologies.

One of the book’s key strengths is its focus on practical application. The author guides readers through setting up a development environment and the essential tools for Ethereum development, such as Truffle, MetaMask, and Solidity. Step-by-step tutorials will hold your hand while you write, test, and deploy smart contracts, emphasising best practices and common pitfalls.

The book also covers integrating Ethereum with web applications. Skvorc demonstrates how to connect dApps to the Ethereum blockchain using libraries like Web3.js and Ether.js (We have a great article about those, too!). Using libraries allows you to create seamless, user-friendly interfaces for interacting with smart contracts. 

This book is definitely for the more advanced coder. Topics cover decentralised finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and layer-2 solutions, providing insights into the cutting-edge developments within the Ethereum ecosystem. The importance of testing and auditing smart contracts is also stressed.

Whether you want a guide or just a technical manual, the book introduces the transformative potential of Ethereum and blockchain technology. Join the movement toward a decentralised future. You can find it on Amazon.

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9) Building Blockchain Projects

This book offers a practical approach to understanding and implementing blockchain technology, making it a good resource for those eager to explore this transformative field.

The author – Prusty – begins with a thorough introduction to blockchain fundamentals, explaining key concepts such as decentralisation, cryptographic hashing, and consensus algorithms. As always, basic knowledge is an invaluable part of any learning process.

Prusty provides a series of detailed projects that guide readers through the process of building real-world blockchain applications. Each project is designed to incrementally build the reader’s skills, starting with simple applications and advancing to more complex solutions. The range of presented projects is exceptional. Simply put, Prusty really emphasises practical implementation.

The book covers Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric, and IPFS. You will learn how to set up development environments, write smart contracts, and deploy decentralised applications. Code examples make that more manageable than it seems. You can find it here.

10) Solana Development with Rust and Anchor

Are you looking for something different than just Ethereum? Solana Development with Rust and Anchor by Sabastian Dine is a solid guide for developers aiming to tame the Solana blockchain. This book is particularly geared toward those interested in leveraging the power of Rust and the Anchor framework to create high-performance decentralised applications.

Dine starts the journey by introducing readers to the Solana blockchain, highlighting its unique architecture and its benefits, such as high throughput and low latency. If you did not know, Rust and Anchor are the primary development tools on this somewhat new blockchain.

It is similar to other books on this list that deal with Ethereum and offer a ton of examples and applications. These projects range from simple to more complex, fully-fledged dApps. You will apply what you have learned.

The book explains Rust programming language and why it is a powerful tool for blockchain development. Dine covers the essentials of Rust, from basic syntax to advanced features. He then introduces the Anchor framework, a powerful tool that simplifies Solana development by providing developer-friendly tools and libraries.

Solana is a rapidly evolving and relatively new blockchain. This book is an essential resource for developers looking to excel at it. With its thorough coverage of theory, practical tutorials, and advanced insights, it provides everything needed to build successful and high-performance blockchain projects. You can find it on Amazon.

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11) Learn Blockchain by Building One

Learn Blockchain by Building One offers something unique: it is designed to help readers grasp the core concepts of blockchain technology by constructing their own blockchain from scratch. This hands-on approach makes it an ideal resource for developers, students, and enthusiasts who prefer learning by doing.

Van Flymen introduces readers to fundamental concepts such as distributed ledgers, cryptographic hashing, and consensus algorithms, giving you a solid grasp of the basics. He then studies their potential applications across various industries, including finance, healthcare, supply chain management, etc.

The book is notable for its clear, concise, and engaging writing style, which is especially useful for topics like blockchain development, which can be hard to understand at first. You can find it on Amazon.

12) Building Ethereum DApps: Decentralized Applications on the Ethereum Blockchain

This book teaches you how to build applications (DApps) on the Ethereum platform. It is perfect for those who want to develop real-world solutions.

First, you will briefly introduce Ethereum, explaining its underlying principles and architecture. The author covers the essential components of the Ethereum blockchain, such as the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), smart contracts, and the consensus mechanisms that ensure the integrity and security of the network. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for more advanced topics covered later in the book. Readers will also learn to use tools like Truffle, MetaMask, and Web3.js to build and interact with their DApps.

Infante devotes a lot of energy to explaining critical aspects of the technology, such as security, scalability, and performance optimisation. The book explores the broader ecosystem of Ethereum, the largest decentralised network. You can expect to read about how Ethereum DApps can be used to create innovative solutions that disrupt traditional business models. 

This book serves as a comprehensive pathway to becoming proficient in Ethereum dApp development and is easy to digest. You can find it on Amazon.

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13) Blockchain and Web3 - Building the Cryptocurrency, Privacy, and Security Foundations of the Metaverse

Book by Winston Ma and Ken Huang. It is a captivating exploration of the blockchain world and its pivotal role in shaping the future of the digital universe. Metaverse is included!

Authors vividly describe the metaverse as a burgeoning digital realm where virtual worlds, augmented realities, and decentralised applications converge. They eloquently explain how blockchain technology offers a decentralised, secure, and transparent infrastructure.

Understanding Web3 and blockchain technologies in 2024 can be frustrating, as the industry is developing at breakneck speed. The book provides detailed tutorials and real-world examples that illustrate how to build and deploy blockchain-based applications while accentuating the importance of security and privacy in these digital ecosystems.

One of the standout features of Blockchain and Web3 is its forward-looking perspective. The transformative potential of Web3 technologies can hardly be denied, so authors highlight how cryptocurrencies are redefining traditional notions of ownership, identity, and governance. They discuss the critical role of cryptocurrencies in powering the metaverse's economy and innovative solutions for ensuring user privacy and asset safety—those metaverse buildings can cost a fortune.

Their vibrant writing style and visionary insights make this book not just an educational resource but an inspirational read—almost as if they were talking to a forthcoming startup founder.

There are few books about the metaverse, so Blockchain and Web3: Building the Cryptocurrency, Privacy, and Security Foundations of the Metaverse is an excellent resource for developers, technologists, and visionaries. You can find it on Amazon.

14) The Essential Guide to Web3

This book is an all-encompassing and engaging manual designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to understand and harness the potential of Web3 technologies.

Author Vijay Krishnan begins by explaining Web3, the next generation of the Internet that promises to revolutionise how we interact online. After that, he dives into the fundamental concepts of decentralisation, blockchain technology, and the core principles driving the Web3 movement.

You will learn how to create and deploy your decentralised applications, use Web3 tools and frameworks, and navigate the growing ecosystem of decentralised finance (DeFi) platforms and protocols.

Casey also addresses the broader implications of Web3, discussing its potential to democratise access to information, enhance privacy and security, and create new economic opportunities. However, Web3 has its challenges, too, and the book tries to address them. It is a fresh, balanced overview. That is why it is one of the best books for blockchain developers. You can find it on Amazon.

15) Smart Contract Development with Solidity and Ethereum

From start to finish, Smart Contract Development with Solidity and Ethereum present a guide to building both basic and advanced smart contracts. Those are the keystones of the network and the future of the web.

Expect a deep dive into the world of Solidity, Ethereum’s primary programming language. Solorio, Kanna, and Hoover offer the reader practical experience in Solidity syntax, contract deployment, and testing. The book covers essential topics such as inheritance, libraries, and complex data structures.

Beyond the basics, the book delves into advanced smart contract techniques. You will explore sophisticated concepts like security patterns, gas optimisation, and upgradable contracts. The authors are drawing on examples and case studies.

You will be introduced to frameworks like Truffle, Hardhat, and Remix. These tools are essential for efficiently developing, testing, and deploying smart contracts. The authors provide a metric ton of their own experiences.

The book doesn’t just focus on the technical aspects; it also discusses the potential applications of smart contracts across various industries, from finance and supply chain to gaming and digital identity. 

This book offers an unparalleled blend of theoretical knowledge and practical tutorials. Both are much needed if you are just starting with Ethereum. Book Smart Contract Development with Solidity and Ethereum suits people of every proficiency level. You can find it on Amazon.

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