What should I study to learn more about technical side of cryptos?

[jamford]

Hello everyone

I am currently studying Mathematics, going for a Masters in Statistics, and have been investing in cryptos for about 2 years. I have started trying to read more Whitepapers to get a better idea of the technical side of coins, but I often find some of the more nuanced language goes over my head. I am looking into computer science classes at my college to get a better understanding of that world. My school has a java development certificate, but also has some general computer science classes. Would it be better to become proficient in one language, like Java, or go for a more rounded approach and learn a bit about everything?

[hexafraction]

You should definitely learn at least one programming language. If you go for Java, you can use BitcoinJ for learning purposes, as it is an open source Bitcoin implementation written in that language.

Additionally, see if your school has any courses related to cryptography.

[jamford]

Additionally, see if your school has any courses related to cryptography.

I had heard about cryptography and was very interested, but forgot to look into it. Thank you for the reminder! That is also interesting to learn about BitcoinJ, I'll check it out if I go Java route.

[pooya87]

apart from bitcoin wiki, you can start reading the detailed developers documentation here: https://bitcoin.org/en/developer-documentation
there is also a very good book by Andreas Antonopoulos called "Mastering Bitcoin: Unlocking Digital Cryptocurrencies" which you can start reading. it is open and free for everyone to read. get the links here: https://github.com/bitcoinbook/bitcoinbook/blob/first_edition/README.md

[HabBear]

I am currently studying Mathematics, going for a Masters in Statistics, and have been investing in cryptos for about 2 years.

Sounds like you already have the knowledge (more than most of us) to study the technicals of cryptocoins.

The technical analysis (in investing at least) is the evaluation of price and trading volume (float) trends, day over day, week over week, month over month, and year over year (in rare cases). Those two metrics - price and volume - are widely available for most cryptocoins that you can access on the secondary market.

So take price and volume in two separate charts, plot the daily values for the past year or so then apply your math knowledge to develop the moving averages and stochastic oscillator to assess momentum behind the trends.

The challenge is the adoption unknown, this technology and the currencies are so new that you a charted peak doesn't indicate (with confidence) that the coin/currency is overbought and therefore you should wait before buying.

Bitcoin, for example, feels like it's in a bubble but the reason it keeps rising is (I believe) because there are so many new people getting on the train. You can't measure that metric reliability. How do you measure the momentum coming from people that don't yet own bitcoin (or insert your target cryptocoin as needed.)

Question for you - when you get analysis set up, can you share it with us so we can all benefit from your unique knowledge?

Thanks.

[Mike Mayor]

Your best bet is to go and speak to altcoin devs and ask them what they recommend. You will get w.juch better response then if you just asking the average person here. You want answers from actually devs so you know it's legit information that will be helpful and beneficial to what you are trying to achieve. You should cisit the altcoins section.