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How to DeFi: Beginner
"This book details the new economies created by a generation of bankless pioneers. It's the best introduction you could ask for."
- Mariano Conti, Head of Smart Contracts at Maker Foundation
"If I didn't know anything about DeFi and needed to learn from scratch, this book is where I'd start."
- Felix Feng, CEO of TokenSets
“This book makes it easy for beginners to get started with DeFi.”
- Hugh Karp, CEO of Nexus Mutual
How to Beginner, Second Edition, is the 2021 updated version of How to DeFi (March 2020). DeFi is an ecosystem of decentralized applications that provide financial services built on top of distributed networks with no governing authority. By April 2021, DeFi applications have locked up over $86 billion worth of cryptocurrencies in smart contracts. DeFi is expected to grow further in the coming years and is a key component in fulfilling Ethereum’s lofty vision and ambition. You will learn about the various elements of DeFi such as decentralized stablecoins, decentralized exchanges, decentralized lending, decentralized derivatives, decentralized insurance and more. DeFi has been immensely popular throughout 2019 to 2021 and is showing no signs of slowing down. Use this book to stay ahead of the curve and learn how you can utilize various DeFi applications to better understand the changes that will disrupt the traditional financial sector. In this book, you will With simple, yet concise explanations and guides, it has never been easier for you to understand and get started with the various DeFi applications.
- Mariano Conti, Head of Smart Contracts at Maker Foundation
"If I didn't know anything about DeFi and needed to learn from scratch, this book is where I'd start."
- Felix Feng, CEO of TokenSets
“This book makes it easy for beginners to get started with DeFi.”
- Hugh Karp, CEO of Nexus Mutual
How to Beginner, Second Edition, is the 2021 updated version of How to DeFi (March 2020). DeFi is an ecosystem of decentralized applications that provide financial services built on top of distributed networks with no governing authority. By April 2021, DeFi applications have locked up over $86 billion worth of cryptocurrencies in smart contracts. DeFi is expected to grow further in the coming years and is a key component in fulfilling Ethereum’s lofty vision and ambition. You will learn about the various elements of DeFi such as decentralized stablecoins, decentralized exchanges, decentralized lending, decentralized derivatives, decentralized insurance and more. DeFi has been immensely popular throughout 2019 to 2021 and is showing no signs of slowing down. Use this book to stay ahead of the curve and learn how you can utilize various DeFi applications to better understand the changes that will disrupt the traditional financial sector. In this book, you will With simple, yet concise explanations and guides, it has never been easier for you to understand and get started with the various DeFi applications.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 28, 2021
A beginner’s field guide to the world of decentralised finance (DeFi). The book manages to convey the key technological capabilities in a very approachable manner. You are not getting a true deep dive into DeFi here, but that was to be expected since this is the “beginner” book and there is also an “advanced” follow up book available.
One thing annoyed me quite heavily: At multiple segments, the lack of Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policies is touted as a positive thing, since speeds up the process. Quote: “as long as you can provide collateral, you can take out a loan in DeFi.” The authors thereby completely ignore that it might be good to have measures in place from a societal perspective that aim at minimizing money laundering. Furthermore, having no KYC/AML also means that DeFi is likely going to land in the crosshairs of international regulators which might go as far as prohibiting some DeFi applications (e.g. automated borrowing/lending, lotteries).
3 stars (I liked it) is what I give this book today. However, DeFi is an extremely rapidly evolving field. This second edition book is probably only worth 2 stars in 2023, and 1 star in 2025. Before you purchase it in the future, it is important to check whether they have diligently updated big sections of the book to keep it relevant.
One thing annoyed me quite heavily: At multiple segments, the lack of Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policies is touted as a positive thing, since speeds up the process. Quote: “as long as you can provide collateral, you can take out a loan in DeFi.” The authors thereby completely ignore that it might be good to have measures in place from a societal perspective that aim at minimizing money laundering. Furthermore, having no KYC/AML also means that DeFi is likely going to land in the crosshairs of international regulators which might go as far as prohibiting some DeFi applications (e.g. automated borrowing/lending, lotteries).
3 stars (I liked it) is what I give this book today. However, DeFi is an extremely rapidly evolving field. This second edition book is probably only worth 2 stars in 2023, and 1 star in 2025. Before you purchase it in the future, it is important to check whether they have diligently updated big sections of the book to keep it relevant.
January 25, 2022
Even if you are not interested in crypto, you should read this excellent book. It does a great job of explaining what defi is and what is available.
At some point in the future traditional banks will have disappeared and be replaced by defi.
Highly recommended! Simple to follow examples will get you started in this fascinating topic.
At some point in the future traditional banks will have disappeared and be replaced by defi.
Highly recommended! Simple to follow examples will get you started in this fascinating topic.
May 21, 2022
A superbly-written and articulate overview of Decentralised Finance
A fantastic read by CoinGecko. The cornerstone of the text is the degree of coverage over various DeFi Protocols, spanning Stablecoins to Insurance and Fund Management. All in all an extremely-enjoyable introduction to the fundamental notions of Decentralised Finance.
A fantastic read by CoinGecko. The cornerstone of the text is the degree of coverage over various DeFi Protocols, spanning Stablecoins to Insurance and Fund Management. All in all an extremely-enjoyable introduction to the fundamental notions of Decentralised Finance.
June 25, 2022
This book gives an excellent and less daunting introduction into the realm of decentralised finance. The concepts, benefits, risks and actions one can take to mitigate those risks are explained in plain language that anyone can understand.
A great guide for anyone making their first steps into the new frontier of finance.
A great guide for anyone making their first steps into the new frontier of finance.
July 30, 2021
This book will give you an overview on Decentralized Finance and will guide you to the Crypto world.
December 28, 2021
Good non-technical intro to DeFi
The book is OK for newbies to get a flavor of what DeFi can offer and why it matters. The resources presented are also good.
The book is OK for newbies to get a flavor of what DeFi can offer and why it matters. The resources presented are also good.
February 28, 2022
best DeFi intuition book
The Author explains DeFi related topics in very intuitive ways. And With references and sources backing for each chapter. Great one.
The Author explains DeFi related topics in very intuitive ways. And With references and sources backing for each chapter. Great one.
April 13, 2022
Read only if you are interested in learning about and using DeFi applications. The book is an excellent educational guide showing and explaining many DeFi applications available. In my case, I really liked the book/guide, and I gave it a 4 star rating, because it is definitely a great guide for beginners. I am already using some of the DeFi apps thanks to this piece, and already started How to DeFi: Advanced. Finally, if you decide to read it, look at the edition, DeFi is evolving fast and Coin Gecko (author) updates the books frequently.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews