Beginning Solidity: Learn to Program Smart Contracts with Solidity

An A-to-Z instruction manual for programming smart contracts with Solidity and Ethereum

In Beginning Solidity: Learn to Program Smart Contracts with Solidity, novice and experienced programmers eager to dive into the world of Ethereum and smart contract development will find an indispensable guide. Ethereum offers a platform not just for cryptocurrency exchange but for constructing applications that facilitate direct, value-based transactions between parties. At the heart of these applications is Solidity, a programming language designed specifically for crafting smart contracts―autonomous scripts that operate as digital agreements enforced by the Ethereum blockchain.

This book uses the Foundry framework and demystifies the Solidity language, making it accessible to both experienced programmers and new coders who are just starting their programming journey. Through practical examples and real-world scenarios, readers will learn the ins and outs of the Ethereum blockchain―beginning with a brief overview of the history of money to Ethereum’s architecture, wallets, accounts, transactions, and smart contracts―gaining the knowledge they need to develop applications that can replicate financial instruments, manage crowdfunding campaigns, learn the basics of smart contract auditing, and create ERC-20 (Fungible tokens) and ERC-721 tokens (NFTs).

Beyond the basics, the book delves into advanced topics such as creating a DeFi protocol, Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs) for voting and governance, and upgradable smart contracts. With the demand for knowledgeable blockchain developers at an all-time high, this book serves as an essential toolkit, providing the foundational technologies, best practices, and development strategies to navigate the ever-evolving Ethereum ecosystem.

Whether you’re looking to understand blockchain concepts or eager to develop your own smart contracts and decentralized applications, Beginning Solidity offers a clear pathway to learning the innovations of Ethereum and getting your first job as a developer.

ALEXANDROS DOLGOV grew up questioning the limits of centralized systems, inspired by Greece’s financial turmoil and his father’s stories of post-Soviet economic collapse. Discovering Bitcoin, DeFi, and DAOs ignited his vision for a decentralized future, leading him to master Solidity as a tool for change. Holding an MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency from the University of Nicosia and the Chartered Blockchain Analyst Certification, Alexandros has contributed to key areas of the blockchain ecosystem, including DeFi, Decentralized Identity, and Token Economics. A guest lecturer and passionate advocate, Alexandros now brings his expertise to this book, empowering readers to unlock the potential of smart contract development.