Chapter 10. Alternative Blockchains

This chapter is intended to provide an introduction to alternative blockchain solutions. With the success of bitcoin and subsequent realization of the potential of blockchain technology, a Cambrian explosion started that resulted in the development of various blockchain protocols, applications, and platforms. Some projects did not gain much traction, but many have succeeded in creating a solid place in this space.

In this chapter, readers will be introduced to alternative blockchains and platforms that either are new blockchains on their own or complement other existing blockchains. These new platforms are based on the idea of providing SDKs and tools to make development and deployment of blockchain solutions easier. The success of Ethereum and bitcoin has resulted in various projects that spawned into existence by leveraging the underlying technologies and concepts introduced by them. These new projects add value by addressing the limitations...