Understanding Decentralised Systems

Fundamentals and Blockchain
Erscheinungsjahr 2026
ISBN: 978-3-032-35070-1
Verlag: Springer

Buch, Englisch, 425 Seiten, Format (B × H): 155 mm x 235 mm

Reihe: Texts in Computer Science

This textbook is a unique introduction to decentralisation and blockchain, also providing exploration of much original analysis and new algorithms. 

The book approaches blockchain as a mathematical structure and as a tool for delivering integrity in a decentralised environment in which no one is completely trusted.  While examining cryptocurrency, the emphasis is on building mainstream systems that improve digital civilisation without turning the values of society upside down.  The work shows how to overcome the doubtful reputation that Bitcoin has with energy efficiency and regulation: This is done by understanding decentralisation and blockchain from the bottom up, looking at both conventional and novel structures to support this process.  The third part is the author’s reinvention of the blockchain.   It provides extensive background in discrete maths, probability and cryptography and looks forward to the age of quantum computing.

Among the topics and features:

·         Examines new models of trust and certainty

·         Provides numerous examples throughout

·         Reviews unexpected results about PoW and Bitcoin

·         Describes a new class of consensus algorithms

·         Discusses hooks—a new structure to prevent blockchain forks

·         Explores an unclonable digital identity mechanism

Entertainingly illustrated, this unique textbook will have real utility beyond academia:  It also will be of significant interest to researchers and policymakers who are looking to improve the digital world, as well as anyone who wants to understand blockchain. 

The author is well known for his work on concurrency, verification and security.  He was head of Oxford University Computer Science Department 2003-14.  Now officially retired, he continues to research at University College Oxford Blockchain Research Centre, Oxford, UK.

Zielgruppe

Graduate

Autoren/Hrsg.

Roscoe, A.W.

Fachgebiete

• Mathematik | Informatik EDV | Informatik Daten / Datenbanken
• Mathematik | Informatik Mathematik Stochastik
• Mathematik | Informatik EDV | Informatik Informatik Mathematik für Informatiker
• Mathematik | Informatik EDV | Informatik Technische Informatik Computersicherheit Kryptographie, Datenverschlüsselung
• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften: Forschung und Information Informationstheorie, Kodierungstheorie
• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften: Forschung und Information Kybernetik, Systemtheorie, Komplexe Systeme

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Part I Fundamentals of Decentralisation.- Chapter 1: Introducing decentralisation.- Chapter 2: From cash to e-cash to blockchain.- Chapter 3: A blockchain primer.- Chapter 4: Blockchains in the large – what is their place in the world?.- Chapter 5: Blockchain applications.- Chapter 6: Byzantine agreement: consensus beyond PoW.- Part II Mathematical Methods.- Chapter 7: A primer on discrete maths.- Chapter 8: A primer on probability and nondeterminism.- Chapter 9: A primer on cryptography.- Chapter 10: Identification and authentication.- Chapter 11: Stochastic reasoning.- Part III Reinventing the Blockchain.- Chapter 12: Chain or tree? Preventing forks.- Chapter 13: Two level consensus: Exploiting traitors.- Chapter 14: The theory and practice of communication.- Chapter 15: Trusted randomness: Why we need it and how to get it.- Part IV Building Trust.- Chapter 16: Threats to cryptography.- Chapter 17: Advanced cryptography.- Chapter 18: Incentives, penalties and accountability.- Chapter 19: Work your Stake (WyS).- Chapter 20: After words: Towards Digital Civilisation.

Über Autor(innen)

Bill Roscoe is famous for his research on concurrency (CSP), automated verification and computer security. He was head of Oxford University Computer Science Dept 2003-14. He concentrates on areas like decentralisation where theory and practice merge. He has previously written three books, several hundred academic papers and holds more than 25 patents.