Advanced Smart Contract Development (Coursera)

Participants will learn about the specific architecture and components of the Ethereum blockchain, including the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), accounts, transactions, and smart contracts. They will gain an understanding of how these components work together to enable decentralized applications.

• The course will introduce participants to Solidity, the programming language used for developing smart contracts on the Ethereum platform. Participants will learn the syntax, features, and best practices of Solidity programming, enabling them to write secure and efficient smart contracts.
• Participants will learn how to develop, test, and deploy smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. They will gain hands-on experience in creating smart contract code, implementing functionalities, and testing their contracts using various tools and frameworks.
• The course will cover methods for interacting with the Ethereum network, including sending transactions, querying contract data, and utilizing Ethereum development tools and libraries. Participants will gain practical skills in interacting with the Ethereum blockchain programmatically.The course aims to provide a solid foundation in blockchain technology, covering key concepts such as decentralized consensus, distributed ledgers, and immutability. Participants will grasp the fundamental principles that underpin Ethereum and other blockchain platforms.
• Participants will learn about the specific architecture and components of the Ethereum blockchain, including the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), accounts, transactions, and smart contracts. They will gain an understanding of how these components work together to enable decentralized applications.
• The course will introduce participants to Solidity, the programming language used for developing smart contracts on the Ethereum platform. Participants will learn the syntax, features, and best practices of Solidity programming, enabling them to write secure and efficient smart contracts.
• Participants will learn how to develop, test, and deploy smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. They will gain hands-on experience in creating smart contract code, implementing functionalities, and testing their contracts using various tools and frameworks.
• The course will cover methods for interacting with the Ethereum network, including sending transactions, querying contract data, and utilizing Ethereum development tools and libraries. Participants will gain practical skills in interacting with the Ethereum blockchain programmatically.

Target audience:
1) Developers
2) Blockchain Enthusiasts
3) Entrepreneurs and Product Managers
4) Technical Professionals in the Finance and Banking industries
5) Students and Researchers

Pre-requisites:
1) Participants should have a solid understanding of programming concepts and experience with at least one programming language such as JavaScript, Python, or Solidity.
2) Blockchain Basics
3) Web Development Skills
4) Command Line Experience:
5) Solidity and Ethereum Development Tools
This course is part of the Building DApps In Ethereum Blockchain Specialization.

Syllabus

Solidity Language and Best Practices
This module provides a comprehensive exploration of Solidity, the programming language for Ethereum smart contracts. Participants will grasp Solidity basics and delve into advanced features such as inheritance, libraries, and structures. The module then covers various smart contract design patterns, encompassing Factory, Singleton, and Oracle patterns. Security considerations are addressed, focusing on challenges, delegation calls, message senders, visibility modifiers, and best practices. Additionally, participants will understand upgradeability patterns, learn how to create proxy contracts, and implement governance mechanisms for robust smart contract development. This module equips learners with a holistic understanding of Solidity and smart contract design principles.

Handling Payments and Financial Transactions
This module offers a comprehensive journey into the realm of blockchain tokens and Ethereum functionality. Participants will delve into various token types, with a specific focus on the widely used ERC20 standard. The module guides learners through the process of creating, deploying, and documenting ERC20 tokens, providing practical insights. Additionally, participants will gain a nuanced understanding of gas fees, wei usage, and the distinction between gas fee and gas price, optimizing transaction costs. The module concludes with an exploration of Ethereum channels, covering payment and state channels, enhancing participants' understanding of advanced blockchain functionalities.

Access Control and User Management
This module offers a deep dive into access control mechanisms within smart contracts. Participants will engage in discussions on ownership concepts and implement role-based access control using Access Control. The module explores the significance of user registration, covering diverse methods such as self-registration, invitation-based registration, and KYC processes. Smart contract authentication is thoroughly examined, shedding light on the inner workings of Ethereum smart contracts. Additionally, learners will identify permissioned access and gain insights into the concept of whitelisting. This module equips participants with the knowledge and skills to manage access, authenticate users, and implement secure authorization in blockchain applications.