Bitcoin Forum

Bitcoin => Development & Technical Discussion => Topic started by: Greentext on November 03, 2016, 07:57:46 PM



Title: Create a Chain from Scratch in Python??
Post by: Greentext on November 03, 2016, 07:57:46 PM
I have an idea I'd like to transform into code, particularly a blockchain very similar to Bitcoin created from scratch, with different consensus and mining rules.  Essentially a distributed ledger, just functioning differently.  However, I can't program well in C++, I'd be spending months learning compiler directives and what's going on in the code.  I've already tried figuring out the Litecoin source, and it's essentially meaningless to me.  I have a basic understanding of C, but large Cpp projects are literally foreign to me.  I come from a strong Python/web development background (I'm a beta programmer, stuck to interpreted languages) but need a blockchain, so I was wondering whether or not it would be impossible to create a chain from scratch on a scripting language?  I know Cpp is better for numerous reasons, but do you at least think it's possible so I'm not wasting my time?  Those with experience, is there any merit to creating a blockchain with an interpreted language, or are there reasons for which this is destined to be an absolute failure?  I understand all the theory of blockchains and how they work, but I don't have the programming skills to apply those concepts in anything more complicated than Python.  I can write Bitcoin transactions, work with API's, etc. in Python, but the actual Cpp source for whole projects, along with creating genesis blocks and what have ypu is currently exponential degrees of magnitude out of my league.

I've become obsessed and depressed stressing over recent global affairs, and because of this I can't think about anything besides this idea in my mind, my productivity has been reduced to zero.  I've thought about getting a partner to write the chain portion of the project, but I can't rely on other people for all the actual work so I figure if my last option is learn Cpp I will strap down and learn it.  If Python is not an option and I must learn a compiled language, where should I start?  Any essential reading?


Title: Re: Create a Chain from Scratch in Python??
Post by: ThatRandom8543 on November 05, 2016, 05:49:18 PM
I have an idea I'd like to transform into code, particularly a blockchain very similar to Bitcoin created from scratch, with different consensus and mining rules.  Essentially a distributed ledger, just functioning differently.  However, I can't program well in C++, I'd be spending months learning compiler directives and what's going on in the code.  I've already tried figuring out the Litecoin source, and it's essentially meaningless to me.  I have a basic understanding of C, but large Cpp projects are literally foreign to me.  I come from a strong Python/web development background (I'm a beta programmer, stuck to interpreted languages) but need a blockchain, so I was wondering whether or not it would be impossible to create a chain from scratch on a scripting language?  I know Cpp is better for numerous reasons, but do you at least think it's possible so I'm not wasting my time?  Those with experience, is there any merit to creating a blockchain with an interpreted language, or are there reasons for which this is destined to be an absolute failure?  I understand all the theory of blockchains and how they work, but I don't have the programming skills to apply those concepts in anything more complicated than Python.  I can write Bitcoin transactions, work with API's, etc. in Python, but the actual Cpp source for whole projects, along with creating genesis blocks and what have ypu is currently exponential degrees of magnitude out of my league.

I've become obsessed and depressed stressing over recent global affairs, and because of this I can't think about anything besides this idea in my mind, my productivity has been reduced to zero.  I've thought about getting a partner to write the chain portion of the project, but I can't rely on other people for all the actual work so I figure if my last option is learn Cpp I will strap down and learn it.  If Python is not an option and I must learn a compiled language, where should I start?  Any essential reading?

It doesnt always have to be done in C/C++. It can be done in python too. If python isnt your type, you can try Go, Rust, D, Ocaml, etc.