# My First Week in the Blockchain Bootcamp: A Journey into Web3
Starting this blockchain bootcamp has been an exciting yet challenging experience. Balancing it with my 9-5 job has required a lot of dedication, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this cohort.

# Getting Started
The bootcamp began with an onboarding call, where we got introduced to the program, expectations, and what lay ahead. The energy in the cohort was high, and I could already tell that this was going to be an intense but rewarding journey.

# Learning Blockchain Fundamentals
The first week was packed with core blockchain concepts such as:
1. Blockchain Basics
A blockchain is a digital ledger that records transactions in a secure way, A decentralized, distributed digital ledger that records transactions across many computers. Instead of relying on a central authority like a bank, transactions are grouped into blocks and added to a chain.

2. Decentralization
Traditional systems like banks or governments control financial transactions and data storage, meaning users must trust them to act fairly. Blockchain, on the other hand, is decentralized, meaning it operates on a network of computers (nodes) instead of a single central entity. This ensures that no single party has total control.

3. Transparency
Every transaction is recorded on a public ledger that anyone can view. It builds trust, as transactions can be independently verified, reducing fraud and manipulation.

4. Nodes
A node is any computer that participates in maintaining the blockchain. Nodes help store, validate, and distribute copies of the ledger to ensure the network remains secure and functional. There are different types of nodes:
* Full Nodes: Store the entire blockchain history and validate transactions independently.
* Light Nodes: Store only a portion of the blockchain and rely on full nodes for data verification.

5. Consensus Mechanisms
Rules that governs what happens within the blockchain, Since there’s no central authority in a blockchain, the network needs a way to agree on which transactions are valid (CM). There are different consensus mechanisms, but two of the most common are:
* Proof of Work (PoW) – Used by Bitcoin, PoW requires miners to solve complex mathematical problems to validate transactions and add them to the blockchain. This process is energy-intensive but highly secure.
* Proof of Stake (PoS) – Used by Ethereum after its upgrade, PoS selects validators based on the amount of cryptocurrency they “stake” as collateral. It’s more energy-efficient than PoW while still securing the network.

Consensus mechanisms prevent double-spending (where someone tries to use the same digital currency twice) and ensure that only valid transactions are recorded on the blockchain.

# Hands-on with Ethereum & MetaMask
* Set up MetaMask, our gateway to interacting with Ethereum.
* Learned Ethereum basics, covering smart contracts, gas fees, and wallets.

# Challenges: Balancing Work & Learning
One of my biggest challenges has been managing my 9-5 job alongside the bootcamp. We have daily compulsory stand-ups at 8:45 AM, which sometimes last up to one to two hours. This means I occasionally miss parts of the live sessions. However, I’m grateful that the classes are available on YouTube, so I always go back to rewatch them and stay on track.

# Final Thoughts: Excited for the Journey Ahead!
Despite the challenges, I’m excited to be part of this cohort. The first week has already given me a solid foundation, and I can’t wait to explore smart contracts, decentralized applications, and more advanced blockchain concepts in the coming weeks.

This journey is just beginning, and I’m ready for what’s next!