Architecture for Blockchain Applications

Description

This book addresses what software architects and developers need to know in order to build applications based on blockchain technology, by offering an architectural view of software systems that make beneficial use of blockchains. It provides guidance on assessing the suitability of blockchain, on the roles blockchain can play in an architecture, on designing blockchain applications, and on assessing different architecture designs and tradeoffs. It also serves as a reference on blockchain design patterns and design analysis, and refers to practical examples of blockchain-based applications. The book is divided into four parts: Part I provides a general introduction to the topic and to existing blockchain platforms including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Hyperledger Fabric, and offers examples of blockchain-based applications. Part II focuses on the functional aspects of software architecture, describing the main roles blockchain can play in an architecture, as well as its potential suitability and design process. It includes a catalogue of 15 design patterns and details how to use model-driven engineering to build blockchain-based applications. Part III covers the non-functional aspects of blockchain applications, which are cross-cutting concerns including cost, performance, security, and availability. Part IV then presents three detailed real-world use cases, offering additional insights from a practical perspective. An epilogue summarizes the book and speculates on the role blockchain and its applications can play in the future. This book focusses on the bigger picture for blockchain, covering the concepts and technical considerations in the design of blockchain-based applications. The use of mathematical formulas is limited to where they are critical. This book is primarily intended for developers, software architects and chief information officers who need to understand the basic technology, tools and methodologies to build blockchain applications. It also provides students and researchers new to this field an introduction to this hot topic. Front Matter ....Pages i-xxii Front Matter ....Pages 1-1 Introduction (Xiwei Xu, Ingo Weber, Mark Staples)....Pages 3-25 Existing Blockchain Platforms (Xiwei Xu, Ingo Weber, Mark Staples)....Pages 27-44 Varieties of Blockchains (Xiwei Xu, Ingo Weber, Mark Staples)....Pages 45-59 Example Use Cases (Xiwei Xu, Ingo Weber, Mark Staples)....Pages 61-79 Front Matter ....Pages 81-81 Blockchain in Software Architecture (Xiwei Xu, Ingo Weber, Mark Staples)....Pages 83-92 Design Process for Applications on Blockchain (Xiwei Xu, Ingo Weber, Mark Staples)....Pages 93-111 Blockchain Patterns (Xiwei Xu, Ingo Weber, Mark Staples)....Pages 113-148 Model-Driven Engineering for Blockchain Applications (Xiwei Xu, Ingo Weber, Mark Staples)....Pages 149-172 Front Matter ....Pages 173-173 Cost (Xiwei Xu, Ingo Weber, Mark Staples)....Pages 175-195 Performance (Xiwei Xu, Ingo Weber, Mark Staples)....Pages 197-212 Dependability and Security (Xiwei Xu, Ingo Weber, Mark Staples)....Pages 213-235 Front Matter ....Pages 237-237 Case Study: AgriDigital (Xiwei Xu, Ingo Weber, Mark Staples)....Pages 239-255 Case Study: SecureVote (Xiwei Xu, Ingo Weber, Mark Staples)....Pages 257-278 Case Study: originChain (Xiwei Xu, Ingo Weber, Mark Staples)....Pages 279-293 Back Matter ....Pages 295-307