From afb4365d781c48fa15c423e9259e0232b343794d Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Charles Li Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2024 15:53:15 -0600 Subject: [PATCH] refactor: why is crypto important --- README.md | 86 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++------------------------- 1 file changed, 47 insertions(+), 39 deletions(-) diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index bdef6ec..957d392 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -1,4 +1,4 @@ -crypto reading list +Crypto Reading List ==================== _For a more friendly reading experience, we recommend navigating [here](https://jumpcrypto.github.io/crypto-reading-list)._ @@ -9,57 +9,65 @@ The content on the toplevel page contains what we consider essential reading. Child pages contain deeper, topic-specific information to review afterward. The lists here are a **work in progress**. We welcome any feedback or criticism! -Please open a PR/issue here or reach out to [crypto-research@jumptrading.com](mailto:crypto-research@jumptrading.com) -with any suggestions, or to report any errors. +Please open a PR/issue with any suggestions or corrections. _Nothing in this repo constitutes financial or legal advice._ Contents ========= -* [Why is crypto important?](#why-is-crypto-important) -* [Blockchain mechanics & innovations](#blockchain-mechanics--innovations) -* [DeFi primitives](#defi-primitives) -* [NFTs & digital identity](#nfts--digital-identity) -* [DAOs & Governance](#daos--governance) -* [Byzantine Fault Tolerance & Proof-of-Stake algos](#byzantine-fault-tolerance--proof-of-stake-algos) -* [L1s](#l1s) -* [L2s](#l2s) -* [Trading mechanics](#trading-mechanics) -* [Smart contract programming](#smart-contract-programming) -* [Economic design](#economic-design) -* [Tools & Analytics](#tools-&-analytics) -* [Exercises](#exercises) -* [Other references](#other-references) +- [Why is crypto important?](#why-is-crypto-important) +- [Blockchain mechanics \& innovations](#blockchain-mechanics--innovations) +- [DeFi primitives](#defi-primitives) +- [NFTs \& digital identity](#nfts--digital-identity) +- [DAOs \& Governance](#daos--governance) +- [Byzantine Fault Tolerance \& Proof-of-Stake algos](#byzantine-fault-tolerance--proof-of-stake-algos) +- [L1s](#l1s) +- [L2s](#l2s) +- [Trading mechanics](#trading-mechanics) +- [Smart contract programming](#smart-contract-programming) +- [Economic design](#economic-design) +- [Tools \& Analytics](#tools--analytics) +- [Exercises](#exercises) +- [Other references](#other-references) + - [Other lists/directories](#other-listsdirectories) + - [Original research](#original-research) + - [Online courses](#online-courses) Why is crypto important? =========================== -We'd recommend starting your exploration by trying to understand what problems crypto is trying to solve. - -In a few words, we'd say it is: -* enabling a decentralized ledger-based currency system - * decentralized means, extremely difficult for bad actors to forge transactions taking your holdings -* enabling a decentralized network of computation / decentralized state transition machine - * decentralized means, extremely difficult for bad actors for enact state changes not defined in sourcecode -* enabling an open network of APIs that can be leveraged to build increasingly advanced apps -* enabling an incentive model for these open networks to grow via crypto tokens - -Here's the list: -* [Crypto tokens: a breakthrough in open design](https://cdixon.org/2017/05/27/crypto-tokens-a-breakthrough-in-open-network-design) (2017) - * tokens as an enabler for alignment between networks and their participants -* [Why decentralization matters](https://cdixon.org/2018/02/18/why-decentralization-matters) (2018) - * discusses the pattern of new technology progressing from innovation to extraction (from cooperation with their - ecosystem to eventual competition). For example consider Apple's transition from early days of encouraging - developers to build on iOS, to now charging 30% on all in-store purchases. - Discusses how crypto solves this by aligning the network with its participants. -* [The true power of DeFi composability](https://medium.com/coinmonks/the-true-power-of-defi-composability-14fe8355e0d0) (Apr 2021) -* [Why I have changed my mind on tokens](https://insights.deribit.com/market-research/why-i-have-changed-my-mind-on-tokens/) (Dec 2020) - * noted researcher Hasu weighs in on the merits of protocol tokens, during a time when many cynics questioned the need for each project to have its own token -* Optional: pieces discussing arguments for _Bitcoin_, generally as a decentralized store of value: +We've identified four central themes behind crypto's value proposition: + +1. A decentralized ledger-based currency system. + * decentralized means distributed and unpermissioned. Anyone can participate in administering the currency. + * ledger-based: impossible for bad actors to forge transactions taking your holdings. Cryptography secures your money and forms a public, verifiable chain of trust. +2. A decentralized state machine and network of computation + * decentralized means extremely difficult for bad actors for enact state changes not defined in sourcecode +3. An open network of APIs for decentralized apps +4. An incentive model for these open networks to grow via crypto tokens + +Here's the list of relevant reading: +* The currency proposition: * [Bitcoin for the open-minded skeptic](https://www.matthuang.com/bitcoin_for_the_open_minded_skeptic) (2020) * [7 things to read about bitcoin](https://www.paradigm.xyz/2020/05/7-things-to-read-about-bitcoin-for-institutional-investors/) (2020) +* The state machine proposition: + * https://ethereum.org/en/developers/docs/evm/ + +* The open API proposition: + * [Why decentralization matters](https://cdixon.org/2018/02/18/why-decentralization-matters) (2018) + * discusses the pattern of new technology progressing from innovation to extraction (from cooperation with their ecosystem to eventual competition). + * For example consider Apple's transition from early days of encouraging developers to build on iOS, to now charging 30% on all in-store purchases. + * Discusses how crypto solves this by aligning the network with its participants. + +* The token proposition: + * [Crypto tokens: a breakthrough in open design](https://cdixon.org/2017/05/27/crypto-tokens-a-breakthrough-in-open-network-design) (2017) + * tokens as an enabler for alignment between networks and their participants + * [The true power of DeFi composability](https://medium.com/coinmonks/the-true-power-of-defi-composability-14fe8355e0d0) (Apr 2021) + * [Why I have changed my mind on tokens](https://insights.deribit.com/market-research/why-i-have-changed-my-mind-on-tokens/) (Dec 2020) + * noted researcher Hasu weighs in on the merits of protocol tokens, during a time when many cynics questioned the need for each project to have its own token + _More: see in-depth page: [Why](Why.md)_