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_{Computed from maintenance signals — commit recency, contributor breadth, bus factor, license, CI, tests}

A comprehensive educational guide and reference book on blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT), covering theory from cryptography and consensus algorithms through to practical implementation with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Hyperledger Fabric. It provides structured learning paths from foundational concepts (chapters 01-02: history and overview) through application scenarios (chapter 03) to enterprise-grade implementations using Hyperledger Fabric (chapters 08-10), all with executable Go code examples. Monolithic structured book organized as chapters (01_history/, 02_overview/, 03_scenario/, etc.) with accompanying markdown content, images, and a single Go module at 11_app_dev/ containing Hyperledger Fabric chaincode examples. Each chapter is self-contained with a README.md, supporting markdown files, and _images/ directory. GitHub Actions workflows automate PDF generation and releases. The guide is designed for GitBook online consumption and PDF offline reading, not as a code library.

Four distinct audiences: (1) blockchain newcomers seeking structured understanding of DLT principles, (2) Ethereum developers building smart contracts and DeFi applications, (3) enterprise architects designing Hyperledger Fabric solutions with permissioned networks, and (4) senior engineers implementing production blockchain systems requiring high availability and performance tuning.

This is an actively maintained educational repository with CI/CD workflows (auto-release, PDF preview, dependabot automation), multiple release tags, and ongoing updates (Go 1.24.0 support). It functions as a living reference rather than a software library—the teaching material is production-quality and comprehensive, though individual code examples in 11_app_dev/ are illustrative rather than battle-tested production code.

Low risk for a reference/educational project. The Go module in 11_app_dev/ depends on Hyperledger fabric-contract-api-go v2.2.1 with a managed transitive dependency tree. Single-author maintenance (yeasy) is typical for educational content but means documentation updates follow one person's schedule. No critical production system should depend solely on code snippets from this guide without independent security review—it is teaching material, not an audited library.

Active maintenance with recent dependency updates (Go 1.24.0, Hyperledger Fabric v2.3.1 and v2.2.1 chaincode APIs), automated PDF preview generation on commits, and Dependabot-driven security updates. The workflows suggest ongoing content synchronization and release management for both online GitBook and PDF downloads.

Clone and read the book online or locally: git clone https://github.com/yeasy/blockchain_guide.git && cd blockchain_guide. For online reading: https://yeasy.gitbook.io/blockchain_guide/. For local markdown serving (requires mdPress): brew tap yeasy/tap && brew install mdpress && mdpress serve. To work with the Go examples: cd 11_app_dev && go mod tidy.

Daily commands: This is not a runnable application. To read locally: mdpress serve (after installation). To run chaincode examples in 11_app_dev/: deploy to a Hyperledger Fabric test network (requires Fabric binaries and Docker; see official Fabric documentation). To generate PDF: GitHub Actions trigger (or manually via mdPress).

• 01_history/README.md — Entry point explaining blockchain history and DLT evolution; all contributors must understand the foundational context before diving into implementation.
• 02_overview/README.md — Core conceptual overview defining blockchain classification, challenges, and vision; essential for understanding the guide's scope and audience positioning.
• 04_distributed_system/README.md — Critical dependency explaining consensus algorithms, CAP theorem, and BFT—the theoretical foundation underlying all blockchain implementations discussed.
• 05_crypto/README.md — Core cryptographic primitives (hash, signatures, merkle trees, ZKP) that enable blockchain security; must be understood before reading Bitcoin/Ethereum sections.
• 06_bitcoin/README.md — First practical blockchain implementation example; demonstrates PoW consensus, transaction design, and mining—foundational for understanding later DLT variants.
• go.mod — Go module definition for the 11_app_dev section using Hyperledger Fabric; defines all dependencies for enterprise blockchain application development.
• .github/workflows/ci.yaml — CI/CD pipeline configuration ensuring documentation builds, tests, and releases; critical for understanding contribution workflow and deployment process.

Add a New Blockchain Implementation Section

1. Create new directory following naming convention (e.g., 07_ethereum/) (07_ethereum/README.md)
2. Create subsection files mirroring Bitcoin structure: intro.md, design.md, consensus.md, smart_contracts.md, dapps.md (07_ethereum/smart_contracts.md)
3. Add images to _images/ subdirectory with descriptive names (07_ethereum/_images/eth_logo.png)
4. Create summary.md linking back to distributed systems and crypto foundations (07_ethereum/summary.md)
5. Update parent directory README.md to reference new section in navigation (README.md)

Add a New Use Case Scenario

1. Create new markdown file in 03_scenario/ with descriptive name (e.g., healthcare.md) (03_scenario/healthcare.md)
2. Reference existing blockchain implementations (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Hyperledger) applicable to this use case (03_scenario/healthcare.md)
3. Include architecture diagram in 03_scenario/_images/ (03_scenario/_images/healthcare_architecture.png)
4. Update 03_scenario/README.md with link to new scenario (03_scenario/README.md)

Add Hyperledger Fabric Chaincode Example

1. Create new chaincode package in 11_app_dev following Fabric conventions (11_app_dev/chaincode/myasset/smartcontract.go)
2. Add go.mod dependency imports for fabric-contract-api-go/v2 (go.mod)
3. Create unit tests following _test.go convention (11_app_dev/chaincode/myasset/smartcontract_test.go)
4. Document chaincode in 11_app_dev/README.md with usage examples (11_app_dev/README.md)

• Markdown Documentation — Platform-agnostic, version-controllable, renders on GitHub/GitBook, supports complex technical content with diagrams
• Go 1.24 + Hyperledger Fabric SDK — Enterprise-grade blockchain development; Fabric is Linux Foundation's premier permissioned DLT with strong Go tooling
• GitHub Actions CI/CD — Automated documentation builds, PDF generation, and release management without external dependencies
• CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 License — Educational guide requiring attribution; non-commercial restriction prevents proprietary derivative products

• Theory-first structure (01-05 before implementation)

  • Why: Blockchain requires deep understanding of distributed systems, cryptography, and consensus before reading protocol implementations
  • Consequence: Steeper initial learning curve but prevents misconceptions; readers gain principled understanding rather than cookbook knowledge

• Focus on Bitcoin, Ethereum, Hyperledger—not all blockchains

  • Why: Depth over breadth; covers three major paradigms (PoW, PoS/smart contracts, permissioned) without overwhelming readers
  • Consequence: Limited coverage of altcoins and emerging chains; best for foundational understanding rather than exhaustive reference

• Markdown + GitBook rendering rather than proprietary platform

  • Why: Maximum portability, GitHub-native workflow, free hosting, community-friendly contribution process
  • Consequence: Limited interactive elements (simulations, live code execution); readers cannot run code directly from guide

• Separate 11_app_dev with Go/Fabric modules rather than mixed into narrative

  • Why: Readers can practice with real working code; Fabric contracts require proper dependency management and build process
  • Consequence: Requires local Go setup and Docker for Fabric; adds friction for casual readers vs. purely theoretical content

• Real-time interactive blockchain simulator (static educational content only)
• Production-grade cryptocurrency implementation (educational guide, not a protocol)
• Coverage of all altcoins and Layer 2 protocols (focuses on major implementations)
• Wallet software or trading tools (explains concepts, does not build financial products)
• Commercial blockchain consulting (open-source educational resource)
• Cryptographic proof implementations (references algorithms, does not provide exploit code)

No runtime environment setup required for reading (it's a book). When working with Go examples in 11_app_dev/: (1) Requires Docker + Hyperledger Fabric peer/orderer binaries to test chaincode (not included in this repo, see hyperledger/fabric repo), (2) Go 1.24.0 specified but Fabric may not be fully compatible—check fabric-contract-api-go releases for tested versions, (3) PDF generation requires mdPress installation and working LaTeX stack, (4) GitBook online version may diverge from local markdown if serving from different branches. The book is in Simplified Chinese (区块链技术指南) with English README; non-Chinese readers should use GitBook translation features or English references.

• Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) — Distinguishing feature of this guide—it treats blockchain as one instance of broader DLT systems with varying trust models, consensus, and permission schemes
• Consensus Mechanisms (PoW, PoS, PBFT, Raft) — Core to understanding how Bitcoin (PoW), Ethereum (PoW→PoS), and Hyperledger Fabric (Raft/BFT) achieve distributed agreement without a central authority
• Cryptographic Hash Functions & Digital Signatures (ECDSA, SHA-256) — Foundation of transaction integrity, block linkage, and identity verification in all three blockchain implementations covered (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Fabric)
• Smart Contracts & EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) — Distinguishes programmable ledgers (Ethereum, Fabric) from transaction-only systems (Bitcoin); critical for understanding DeFi and enterprise automation use cases in chapter 07 and 12
• Endorsement & Chaincode (Hyperledger Fabric) — Fabric-specific trust model where multiple organizations validate transactions before ordering; fundamental to enterprise blockchain governance discussed in chapters 09-13
• Channels & Privacy (Hyperledger Fabric) — Permissioned ledger mechanism isolating data across consortium members; essential for understanding how Fabric achieves confidentiality without public visibility
• UTXO (Unspent Transaction Output) Model — Bitcoin's transaction state model; contrasted with Ethereum's account model and Fabric's key-value state; critical for comparing ledger designs in chapters 06-07

• hyperledger/fabric — Production Hyperledger Fabric implementation referenced extensively in chapters 08-10; essential companion for understanding enterprise blockchain architecture
• bitcoin/bitcoin — Bitcoin Core reference implementation; the primary subject of chapter 06, required for verifying protocol descriptions and transaction mechanics
• ethereum/go-ethereum — Go Ethereum (Geth) client; implements Ethereum protocol covered in chapter 07, useful for understanding smart contract execution and state management
• yeasy/docker_practice — Companion guide by same author on Docker containerization; essential background for understanding Fabric's containerized peer/orderer deployment patterns
• hyperledger/fabric-samples — Official Fabric test network and chaincode examples; provides runnable demos aligned with the practical examples discussed in chapters 11-13

To work on one of these in Claude Code or Cursor, paste: Implement the "<title>" PR idea from CLAUDE.md, working through the checklist as the task list.

Add Go chaincode examples and tests for 11_app_dev module

The repo has a Go module (11_app_dev) with Hyperledger Fabric dependencies but no visible chaincode examples or unit tests. This is a critical gap for a blockchain guide claiming to teach 'from theory to practice'. New contributors could add working Fabric chaincode samples with corresponding tests, making the app development section immediately actionable.

• [ ] Create 11_app_dev/examples/ directory with at least 2 Go chaincode samples (e.g., asset-transfer and supply-chain examples)
• [ ] Add *_test.go files with unit tests using fabric-contract-api-go/v2 testing patterns
• [ ] Create 11_app_dev/README.md with instructions on running and testing the chaincodes locally
• [ ] Add GitHub Actions workflow in .github/workflows/ to run Go tests on 11_app_dev module (ci.yaml already exists but may not cover this)

Add interactive diagrams and image optimization for blockchain concepts in 04_distributed_system and 05_crypto

The repo has extensive PNG images in _images folders but 04_distributed_system/_images/paxos.graffle suggests unfinished work. Additionally, distributed systems (CAP theorem, Paxos, BFT) and cryptography (Merkle trees, TLS) are complex topics that benefit from interactive or high-quality diagrams. Contributors could convert/recreate these as SVG, add missing consensus algorithm diagrams, and optimize existing PNGs.

• [ ] Convert 04_distributed_system/_images/paxos.graffle to SVG and create PNG exports for algorithms.md, paxos.md, and bft.md
• [ ] Add missing consensus diagrams: PoW flow, PoS mechanism, PBFT rounds, Raft terms (currently not visible in file list)
• [ ] Optimize all PNG images in 04_distributed_system/_images and 05_crypto/_images using lossless compression
• [ ] Update 04_distributed_system/README.md and 05_crypto/README.md to reference and embed the improved diagrams

Create comprehensive scenario decision tree and implementation guide in 03_scenario

03_scenario/ has 12+ markdown files covering different use cases (CBDC, finance, healthcare, IoT, etc.) but lacks a structured guide helping readers navigate which scenarios match their domain. Adding a decision tree and implementation templates would significantly increase the practical value of this section.

• [ ] Create 03_scenario/decision_tree.md with flowchart/table mapping business requirements to appropriate blockchain scenarios (reference existing files like cbdc.md, healthcare.md, iot.md)
• [ ] Add 03_scenario/templates/ directory with implementation checklists for each scenario type (e.g., template-healthcare.md, template-supply-chain.md)
• [ ] Enhance 03_scenario/README.md with a scenario selection guide and link to decision_tree.md
• [ ] Add visual diagram showing scenario relationships and technology trade-offs (e.g., public vs permissioned, throughput vs decentralization)

• Add English translations for chapters 04-05 (core consensus and cryptography concepts): these chapters have significant Chinese-only content blocking non-Chinese developers. Translate markdown files and image alt-text in 04_basic_concept/ and 05_consensus/ directories.
• Expand 11_app_dev/ with annotated Hyperledger Fabric v2.x chaincode examples (asset lifecycle, state management, cross-chaincode invocation): currently minimal; add Go test files demonstrating endorsement policy simulation and channel isolation.
• Document prerequisite knowledge and skill checks: Add a 00_prerequisites/ chapter listing required understanding of distributed systems, cryptography, and networking; include quick self-assessment questions aligned to the four learning paths in README.

The yeasy/blockchain_guide repository is primarily a documentation/educational guide with limited code exposure. However, the Go module dependencies contain significant concerns: use of non-standard/future-dated versions (Go 1.24.0, pre-release Hyperledger Fabric chaincode), a suspicious YAML package path (go.yaml.in instead of gopkg.in), and missing security infrastructure (SECURITY.md, SBOM, explicit security policies). While the educational nature limits direct injection/secrets risks, the dependency issues present supply chain vulnerabilities. Recommendations include stabilizing all dependencies to official releases, adding security documentation, and implementing dependency verification in CI/CD

• High · Outdated Go Version — go.mod (line 3: go 1.24.0). The go.mod file specifies Go 1.24.0, which is a future/unstable version. This could indicate a misconfigured or non-standard build environment, potentially exposing the project to untested compiler behavior and unforeseen vulnerabilities. Fix: Use a stable, widely-tested Go version (e.g., 1.21.x or 1.22.x). Verify the build environment and use official Go releases.
• High · Hyperledger Fabric Dependency with Future/Unreleased Chaincode — go.mod (line 11: github.com/hyperledger/fabric-chaincode-go/v2 v2.3.1-0.20260319210430-56968fdc7833). The fabric-chaincode-go dependency uses a future timestamp version (v2.3.1-0.20260319210430-56968fdc7833), indicating a pre-release or unreleased build. This version may contain unvetted code, security patches that haven't been officially released, or breaking changes. Fix: Use an officially released version of fabric-chaincode-go (e.g., v2.3.0 or the latest stable release). Avoid pre-release versions in production environments.
• Medium · Potential Outdated or Vulnerable Google RPC Dependencies — go.mod (line 20: google.golang.org/genproto/googleapis/rpc v0.0.0-20251202230838-ff82c1b0f217). The go.mod file uses google.golang.org/genproto/googleapis/rpc v0.0.0-20251202230838-ff82c1b0f217, which appears to be a pseudo-version with a future timestamp. This could indicate use of unreleased or unstable protobuf/gRPC code. Fix: Use officially released versions of google.golang.org/genproto and google.golang.org/grpc. Run 'go get -u' to fetch stable versions and audit the dependency tree.
• Medium · YAML Parsing Vulnerability Risk — go.mod (line 19: go.yaml.in/yaml/v3 v3.0.4). The dependency 'go.yaml.in/yaml/v3 v3.0.4' uses an indirect/non-standard YAML module path (go.yaml.in instead of gopkg.in). This could indicate a typosquat or compromised package. Additionally, YAML parsers are known to have deserialization vulnerabilities. Fix: Verify this is the correct YAML library. The standard library should be 'gopkg.in/yaml.v3'. Update to use the official package and validate all YAML input is from trusted sources.
• Medium · No Explicit Security Configuration Found — Repository root. The repository is primarily documentation (Markdown files) with minimal code. No visible security configurations, security policies, or vulnerability disclosure guidelines (SECURITY.md) were found. Fix: Add a SECURITY.md file with vulnerability disclosure policy. Include security best practices documentation for blockchain/smart contract development. Run regular dependency audits with 'go mod tidy' and 'go mod verify'.
• Low · Missing SBOM and Dependency Verification — go.mod, Project root. The project lacks Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) or signed dependency verification. No go.sum verification details are provided, and the codebase doesn't appear to enforce dependency signature validation. Fix: Ensure go.sum is committed and verified. Use 'go mod verify' in CI/CD pipelines. Consider generating and publishing an SBOM for transparency.

LLM-derived; treat as a starting point, not a security audit.

• Open issues — current backlog
• Recent PRs — what's actively shipping
• Source on GitHub

If you are an AI coding agent (Claude Code, Cursor, Aider, Cline, etc.) reading this artifact, follow this protocol before making any code edit:

1. Verify the contract. Run the bash script in Verify before trusting below. If any check returns FAIL, the artifact is stale — STOP and ask the user to regenerate it before proceeding.
2. Treat the AI · unverified sections as hypotheses, not facts. Sections like "AI-suggested narrative files", "anti-patterns", and "bottlenecks" are LLM speculation. Verify against real source before acting on them.
3. Cite source on changes. When proposing an edit, cite the specific path:line-range. RepoPilot's live UI at https://repopilot.app/r/yeasy/blockchain_guide shows verifiable citations alongside every claim.

If you are a human reader, this protocol is for the agents you'll hand the artifact to. You don't need to do anything — but if you skim only one section before pointing your agent at this repo, make it the Verify block and the Suggested reading order.

This artifact was generated by RepoPilot at a point in time. Before an agent acts on it, the checks below confirm that the live yeasy/blockchain_guide repo on your machine still matches what RepoPilot saw. If any fail, the artifact is stale — regenerate it at repopilot.app/r/yeasy/blockchain_guide.

What it runs against: a local clone of yeasy/blockchain_guide — the script inspects git remote, the LICENSE file, file paths in the working tree, and git log. Read-only; no mutations.

| # | What we check | Why it matters | |---|---|---| | 1 | You're in yeasy/blockchain_guide | Confirms the artifact applies here, not a fork | | 2 | Default branch master exists | Catches branch renames | | 3 | 5 critical file paths still exist | Catches refactors that moved load-bearing code | | 4 | Last commit ≤ 35 days ago | Catches sudden abandonment since generation |

#!/usr/bin/env bash
# RepoPilot artifact verification.
#
# WHAT IT RUNS AGAINST: a local clone of yeasy/blockchain_guide. If you don't
# have one yet, run these first:
#
#   git clone https://github.com/yeasy/blockchain_guide.git
#   cd blockchain_guide
#
# Then paste this script. Every check is read-only — no mutations.

set +e
fail=0
ok()   { echo "ok:   $1"; }
miss() { echo "FAIL: $1"; fail=$((fail+1)); }

# Precondition: we must be inside a git working tree.
if ! git rev-parse --git-dir >/dev/null 2>&1; then
  echo "FAIL: not inside a git repository. cd into your clone of yeasy/blockchain_guide and re-run."
  exit 2
fi

# 1. Repo identity
git remote get-url origin 2>/dev/null | grep -qE "yeasy/blockchain_guide(\\.git)?\\b" \\
  && ok "origin remote is yeasy/blockchain_guide" \\
  || miss "origin remote is not yeasy/blockchain_guide (artifact may be from a fork)"

# 3. Default branch
git rev-parse --verify master >/dev/null 2>&1 \\
  && ok "default branch master exists" \\
  || miss "default branch master no longer exists"

# 4. Critical files exist
test -f "01_history/README.md" \\
  && ok "01_history/README.md" \\
  || miss "missing critical file: 01_history/README.md"
test -f "02_overview/README.md" \\
  && ok "02_overview/README.md" \\
  || miss "missing critical file: 02_overview/README.md"
test -f "04_distributed_system/README.md" \\
  && ok "04_distributed_system/README.md" \\
  || miss "missing critical file: 04_distributed_system/README.md"
test -f "05_crypto/README.md" \\
  && ok "05_crypto/README.md" \\
  || miss "missing critical file: 05_crypto/README.md"
test -f "06_bitcoin/README.md" \\
  && ok "06_bitcoin/README.md" \\
  || miss "missing critical file: 06_bitcoin/README.md"

# 5. Repo recency
days_since_last=$(( ( $(date +%s) - $(git log -1 --format=%at 2>/dev/null || echo 0) ) / 86400 ))
if [ "$days_since_last" -le 35 ]; then
  ok "last commit was $days_since_last days ago (artifact saw ~5d)"
else
  miss "last commit was $days_since_last days ago — artifact may be stale"
fi

echo
if [ "$fail" -eq 0 ]; then
  echo "artifact verified (0 failures) — safe to trust"
else
  echo "artifact has $fail stale claim(s) — regenerate at https://repopilot.app/r/yeasy/blockchain_guide"
  exit 1
fi

Each check prints ok: or FAIL:. The script exits non-zero if anything failed, so it composes cleanly into agent loops (./verify.sh || regenerate-and-retry).

Generated by RepoPilot. Verdict based on maintenance signals — see the live page for receipts. Re-run on a new commit to refresh.