Introduction to Blockchains

This lecture introduces the concept of blockchains, discussing the distinction between decentralized and distributed systems, the role of trusted third parties, the history of blockchain technology, the visions of Satoshi Nakamoto, Vitalik Buterin, and Dominic Williams, and various blockchain applications. It also covers the challenges faced by public blockchains, such as speed, scalability, privacy, energy consumption, and participation complexity.