Having the passion to be a skilled blockchain developer is not enough, you would also need a combination of hard skills and soft skills.
Blockchain has opened up a new field of career for tech enthusiasts and has in turn created numerous job opportunities including blockchain developer.
What is blockchain?
The blockchain is a digital and public ledger that records and verifies transactions that cannot be erased. Although Blockchain began as the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, it has now become a generalized technology that cuts across so many sectors.
Who is a blockchain developer?
A blockchain developer is a software developer who specializes in developing and testing systems and software that leverage blockchain technology.
The blockchain developer is in charge of designing the architecture of blockchain systems, creating smart contracts, and creating web applications that use blockchain technology.
There are two types of blockchain developers,
- Core Blockchain Developers
- Blockchain Software Developers.
- Core Blockchain Developers
Core blockchain developers typically work on the architecture, security, and design of a blockchain system. In addition to managing the entire network, they create protocols and security patterns.
- Blockchain Software Developers
Blockchain software developers develop apps on already existing blockchain platforms. They create decentralized applications that run on blockchain technology by utilizing the architecture and protocols created by Core Blockchain developers
Tips to become a skilled blockchain developer
Apart from having the passion to be a good blockchain developer, you would also require the necessary technical skills to excel in your chosen career.
To give you a little career head start, here are a few tips for becoming a skilled blockchain developer.
• Begin with the right academics
• Understand the basics of blockchain and blockchain architecture
• Get the required technical skills
• Get some hands-on experience
• Join communities of blockchain developers
Begin with the right academics
Fundamental knowledge of computer science is required to work as a blockchain developer. The more familiar you are with computer operations, the simpler it will be to create blockchain applications.
To be successful as a blockchain developer, you don’t necessarily need to become an expert in computer science. But trying to work on the blockchain without understanding the fundamentals would make it difficult for you to succeed.
A lot of blockchain developers start their careers with degrees in computer science or information technology. Starting with a diploma, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree with a specialization in a related subject, such as computer science, information technology, or mathematics, would be advantageous to you.
You could enroll in a course at an institution or an online learning environment.
After acquiring a solid understanding of computer programming and software development, you could concentrate on developing blockchain systems.
Understand the basics of blockchain and blockchain architecture
Understanding what blockchain is and how it functions is necessary if you want to build your skills as a blockchain developer.
A blockchain developer needs to be well knowledgeable about blockchain, how it functions, and its architecture.
You will be better prepared for more advanced topics and specialties by developing a solid understanding of blockchain.
You should become familiar with terms like consensus, mining, security, decentralization, cryptography, and hash functions in addition to the blockchain development tools.
The structure and operation of blockchain are described in the white paper of Bitcoin.
Get the required technical skills
To become a blockchain developer, you need a good set of technical skills. Here is a list of some of the core technical skills required for blockchain developers
- Programming language
- Data Structures
- Smart contract development
- Cryptographic
- Web development
Programming language
Multiple programming languages are frequently employed in blockchain technology depending on the platforms used to construct the blockchain ecosystem. Even if you cannot be an expert in all languages, you’d however need to be competent in a variety of them. The more popular blockchain languages include Java, C++, Python, and JavaScript.
The ideal language for creating blockchain-based projects and smart contracts is Python. Moreover, for building smart contracts, you can also learn Solidity.
Additionally, developers should have a solid background in object-oriented programming and be knowledgeable about a variety of development frameworks and libraries.
Data Structures
Another essential technical skill for a blockchain developer is Data structures. Data structures make up the blockchain network in its entirety. As a developer, you must become familiar with data structures.
Data structures are often used by blockchain developers, and they must be aware of their functions inside the blockchain network.
Blockchain developers should be knowledgeable about the many types of data structures, including graphs, heaps, hash trees, Patricia trees, and Merkle trees, to construct and execute networks properly.
Smart contract development
Smart contracts are at the foundation of modern blockchain networks.
A smart contract is a blockchain-based technology that enables two parties to carry out agreements without the need for a middleman through automatic compliance.
Developers should have a good understanding of what smart contracts are and how they enforce business logic because they have become a standard component of blockchain systems.
Blockchain developers also need to be knowledgeable in popular smart contract programming languages like Vyper, Solidity, or Chaincode.
Cryptography
A key element of blockchain technology is cryptography. Cryptography safeguards sensitive information by ensuring that a message’s contents may only be seen by the intended receiver.
Blockchain Developers should have a solid foundation in cryptographic principles and techniques, including wallets, keys, and digital signatures, to provide a safe blockchain ecosystem.
They should be familiar with the differences between cryptographic hash methods like SHA-256 and Keccak-256 as well as how to employ public-key cryptography to prevent unauthorized access to data.
Web development
Web development and blockchain are closely associated especially as blockchain focuses on decentralized applications.
A blockchain developer should be familiar with the fundamentals of front-end and back-end programming, such as making interactive graphical user interfaces for Dapps, processing API requests, handling requests, etc.
Blockchain developers must have extensive web development knowledge. This requires not only having a working knowledge of web application design and development but also of the technology that backs them and how to secure and optimize them.
Get some hands-on experience
After learning about the basics of blockchain and getting the required skills to be a blockchain developer, the next thing to do is to gain practical experience with all facets of blockchain to better comprehend the fundamentals.
To gain some experience without working in a blockchain-related company, you could consider creating a personal blockchain network.
Examine the decentralized apps offered by sites like GitHub and upload your apps. Learn how to use the latest platforms, tools, and technologies being utilized in blockchain development. Some of these include EOS, Ethereum, Ripple, and Hyperledger. You could also learn how they differ from one another and when to use each one.
You could also benefit from free trials to discover more about the various tools and get a better understanding of fundamental blockchain ideas.
To maintain your proficiency, you must consistently get your hands on blockchain development tasks.
With enough experience and practice, you would be able to become a skilled blockchain developer and even get yourself a position in a blockchain development role.
Practical experience and projects that are relevant to the blockchain industry can help you develop a good portfolio.
Join communities of blockchain developers
It is important to keep in mind that blockchain development is a complicated field, and it could be difficult to learn what you need on your own. Hence, the need for a community that could push you through becoming a skilled developer.
A good community of blockchain developers could help you to grow to become a skilled blockchain developer.
You need to join and start being active in blockchain communities. Join a group where you can share knowledge and receive guidance from mentors to help you on the correct path.
Github, LinkedIn, and Twitter are well known for having active communities of tech enthusiasts.
Share your thoughts and work with your community for constructive criticism and feedback
Conclusion
It takes a lot of commitment, effort, and consistency on your part to pursue a career as a blockchain developer and it is not an easy one.
However, given the explosive expansion of blockchain technology, the employment prospects for blockchain developers appear to be quite attractive and promising.
It is very possible to become a blockchain developer without a formal degree. You could learn the fundamentals of blockchain development from a variety of online sites. However, knowing the fundamentals of computer science will help you save a ton of time.
The time it takes to become a skilled blockchain developer varies. Depending on your degree of experience, expertise, passion, and dedication, it may take you longer or shorter to become a skilled blockchain developer.
With enough time and practice, you will become a skilled blockchain developer.
