Blockchain programming involves creating decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts that run on peer-to-peer networks like Ethereum. Unlike traditional apps, dApps run on blockchain nodes and execute code transparently.

Core concepts:

• Smart Contracts: Self-executing code on the blockchain (e.g., in Solidity).
• Gas: The computational cost to execute operations on Ethereum.
• Wallets: Manage keys and sign transactions.
• Nodes: Participate in consensus and maintain the ledger.

Popular platforms:

• Ethereum: Leading platform with Solidity language.
• Solana: High-speed blockchain with Rust-based smart contracts.
• Polygon, BNB Chain, Avalanche – Layer-2 and scalable alternatives.

Simple Solidity contract:

solidityКопироватьРедактироватьpragma solidity ^0.8.0;

contract Counter {
    uint public count = 0;
    function increment() public {
        count += 1;
    }
}

Developer tools:

• Hardhat / Truffle: Frameworks for testing and deploying smart contracts.
• MetaMask: Wallet and browser extension.
• Infura / Alchemy: Blockchain node APIs.

Blockchain programming merges backend logic with cryptographic integrity and decentralization. It’s a must-learn field for those exploring DeFi, Web3, and digital identity.