Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/decentralized-finance-primitives-duke
The world of finance is undergoing a radical transformation, and at the heart of this revolution lies Decentralized Finance (DeFi). If you’re looking to understand the building blocks of this exciting new landscape, Coursera’s “Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Primitives” course is an absolute must-take. Building upon the foundational knowledge from “DeFi Infrastructure,” this second installment dives deep into the core mechanics that power DeFi.
The course kicks off with an exploration of transaction mechanics on the Ethereum blockchain, demystifying the differences between externally owned accounts and smart contract accounts. It then introduces the crucial concepts of fungible and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which are reshaping digital ownership. A significant portion of the initial module is dedicated to the critical issue of custody – understanding how to securely hold your private keys is paramount in the DeFi space.
Moving into the second module, “Supply and Ownership,” the course delves into the dynamic nature of token supply through minting and burning mechanisms. It highlights the atomic nature of Ethereum transactions, ensuring that operations either complete fully or not at all, and explores the incentives that drive the ecosystem. The concept of a ‘keeper’ – essential for maintaining the functionality of decentralized applications – is also introduced.
The third module, “Loans and Swaps,” is where things get really interesting. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of decentralized exchanges and a detailed look at Automated Market Makers (AMMs), the innovative engines behind many DeFi trading platforms. The module also tackles the world of lending and borrowing, covering everything from collateralized loans to the groundbreaking concept of uncollateralized flash loans.
Finally, “Joining the World of DeFi” provides a practical, step-by-step guide to setting up a MetaMask wallet, your gateway to interacting with the DeFi ecosystem. This module also offers a valuable deep dive into core blockchain concepts such as digital signatures and consensus mechanisms, including the increasingly important Proof of Stake (PoS).
Overall, “DeFi Primitives” is an exceptionally well-structured and informative course. It strikes a perfect balance between theoretical understanding and practical application, equipping learners with the knowledge and tools to navigate and even build within the DeFi space. Whether you’re a developer, an investor, or simply curious about the future of finance, this course is highly recommended.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/decentralized-finance-primitives-duke