ChainCred

ChainCred is a blockchain-based application for creating, storing, and verifying academic credentials such as college degrees. It leverages the Ethereum blockchain to ensure the authenticity and integrity of academic records.

Overview

Chaincred provides a secure and transparent way to verify academic credentials using blockchain technology. It allows institutions to create digital degrees, store their hashes on the blockchain, and provides recipients with QR codes that can be easily shared and verified.

Features

• Secure Authentication: Login using Metamask for blockchain-based authentication
• Credential Creation: Institutions can create detailed academic records with student information and course details
• Blockchain Verification: All credentials are hashed and stored on the Ethereum blockchain (Sepolia network)
• QR Code Generation: Automatic QR code generation for easy sharing of credentials
• Instant Verification: Simple verification process by scanning QR codes

How It Works

1. Authentication: Institutions authenticate using Metamask
2. Credential Creation: Enter student details, institution information, and academic records
3. Blockchain Storage: A hash of the credential data is stored on the Ethereum blockchain
4. QR Code Generation: A QR code containing the credential data is generated
5. Verification: Anyone can verify the authenticity of the credential by scanning the QR code, which checks the hash against the blockchain record

Technology Stack

• Frontend: Next.js, React, TailwindCSS
• Blockchain: Ethereum (Sepolia Testnet), Ethers.js
• Smart Contracts: Solidity (HashStorage contract)
• Authentication: Metamask, JWT

Installation and Setup

Prerequisites

• Node.js and npm
• Metamask extension installed in your browser
• An Ethereum wallet with some Sepolia ETH for testing

Installation

1. Clone the repository

   git clone https://github.com/achaljhawar/chaincred.git
   cd chaincred
   

2. Install dependencies

   npm install
   

3. Create a .env file with the following variables:

   PRIVATE_KEY=your_ethereum_private_key
   API_KEY=your_etherscan_api_key
   JWT_SECRET=your_jwt_secret
   

4. Run the development server

   npm run dev
   

5. Open http://localhost:3000 with your browser to see the application

Usage

For Institutions

1. Connect with Metamask by clicking "Connect Wallet"
2. Enter student details, institution information, and course records
3. Submit the form to store the credential hash on the blockchain
4. Download the generated QR code and share it with the student

For Verifiers

1. Navigate to the verification page
2. Upload the QR code image
3. The system will automatically verify the credential's authenticity by checking its hash on the blockchain
4. View the verification result and credential details

Smart Contract

The project uses a simple smart contract to store and verify credential hashes on the blockchain:

• Contract Address: 0xC9Ab20231992A12A5FD8E2958c70602b8Af9CF31 (Sepolia Testnet)
• Functions:
  • store(string hash): Stores a credential hash on the blockchain
  • hasHash(string hash): Verifies if a hash exists on the blockchain