This book serves as an introduction to the hyperledger blockchain projects with short example smart applications that show how to write smart applications using deep learning models, rule based systems, and PGM based applications that live in the context of shared distributed ledgers.

The term Blockchain refers to distributed ledger systems that have the interesting and useful properties that they are append/write only and they become a permanent record of transactions. Blockchain is a broad term and as we will see there are many choices in features and implementation options. We will concentrate on the family of technologies that are developed by the Hyperledger Consortium that has wide industry support.

In addition to machine learning and AI, I also work in the fields of the semantic web and linked data. We will explore and use some of my original ideas for blending the use of Ontology's with smart blockchain applications.

Together, we will explore ideas and example projects that use both Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies.