Blockchain development is rapidly becoming a very important part of the infrastructures behind financial transactions. Without doubts, the demand for professional blockchain developers will soon be on an ever-increasing rate. This is even more possible since statistical reports have shown that blockchain applications have the potential to reach a per-year cost savings of between $6 billion and $8 billion in KYC/AML.
Furthermore, it also shows the potential capacity to reach between $30 billion to $40 billion in trade finance. These figures have been forecasted to skyrocket to as high as $50 billion to $60 billion in the capital markets. Hence, it is very much obvious that the relevance of this article in expounding the necessary information on how to become a blockchain developer cannot be undermined.
What is Blockchain Developer?
Basically, a blockchain developer is one who is tasked with the responsibility of creating and improving blockchain protocols. A blockchain developer is someone who uses the blockchain technology to design the structure of the blockchain networks. He or she would be able to develop smart contracts and web applications
Steps to Become a Blockchain Engineer or Developer
You are probably wondering; how can I become a blockchain developer? Do not worry, we will be highlighting and discussing 19 steps to follow in order to venture into the blockchain technology industry and become a successful blockchain developer
- The first step in becoming a professional developer in the blockchain industry is to earn a degree or diploma in computer science, computer engineering, computer programming, etc. or any related courses.
- Enroll for blockchain classes and tutorials
- Take time to fully study how the blockchain technology works. You would need to understand the basic terms and their meanings such as blockchain, decentralized cloud storage, consensus protocol, hash and shards, miners, address, etc.
- Select a Blockchain: you can pick from some of the most popular blockchains such as;
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- Bitcoin – This is a cryptocurrency that does not involve any third-party or financial institutions in its transactions. It is a file that is transparent to the public so that no individual will try to manipulate it.
With bitcoin, you can actually buy real goods and services.Bitcoin is one of the most popular public blockchains that are used for cryptocurrency. This is because it is an open-source, smart contract blockchain.
- Bitcoin – This is a cryptocurrency that does not involve any third-party or financial institutions in its transactions. It is a file that is transparent to the public so that no individual will try to manipulate it.
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- Ethereum – Ethereum is most likely the best platform for starters. It is a programmable blockchain that allows you to establish your apps over it. This blockchain has its language called Solidity. Hence, before you select this blockchain you should keep in mind that you would have to learn a new language to be a blockchain developer.
If you are conversant with JavaScript or C++, then you should find it easy. Ethereum can be either a public or private blockchain type. However, it is without a doubt that the Ethereum main network is a public blockchain. Ethereum is mainly categorized as a public blockchain type.
This is because it is a cryptocurrency that is created with open-source computing codes. The codes can be viewed and used by anyone on the blockchain network. Nonetheless, you can transform your own Ethereum blockchain by designing your own genesis file. You can also set up a unique network id.
- Ethereum – Ethereum is most likely the best platform for starters. It is a programmable blockchain that allows you to establish your apps over it. This blockchain has its language called Solidity. Hence, before you select this blockchain you should keep in mind that you would have to learn a new language to be a blockchain developer.
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- EOS – This blockchain is quite similar to Ethereum. However, it features more efficient transaction rates that have higher scalability. The primary objective of EOS blockchain is to enhance industrial-scale applications as a decentralized operating system. EOS is categorized under the private blockchain industry.
- The complexity of blockchain technology requires you to possess an intensive understanding and applicative knowledge of how common data structures like hash maps, linked lists, graphs, and binary search trees, work.
- Advance your skills in cryptography. This is very necessary because cryptography is the driving element of cryptocurrencies. It is in fact the foundation upon which blockchain is built.
- Familiarize yourself with Dapps. The popular kinds of Dapps that people build on Ethereum are:
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- Decentralized Exchanges
- Games
- Gambling Dapps
- Marketplaces
- Know how to use the necessary blockchain developer tools. These tools include:
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- Solc – It is used for compiling Ethereum Smart Contracts locally with JavaScript. It is a necessary tool when developing for the Ethereum platform.
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- Web3 – This tool helps the blockchain developer to communicate with a local or remote Ethereum blockchain through an HTTP or IPC connection. It also helps to send transactions, interact with smart contracts, and retrieve user amounts.
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- Remix – This is an effective open-source tool that enables developers to write, compile, test, and execute smart contracts. It is used in the Ethereum blockchain to debug transactions.
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- Truffle – Basically, it makes the work of a developer easier with respect to built-in smart contract compilation, linking, execution, and binary management.
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- Ganache – When you need to test your Solidity contracts, then this is the ideal tool to set up your personal Ethereum blockchain. It features advanced mining controls and built-in block exploration.
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- Metamask – basically, it is a wallet for your browser. It makes it easy for web applications to interact with the Ethereum blockchain.
- Learn network-specific languages like Solidity, Chaincode, Viper, etc. in order to create smart contracts.
- Make sure you develop a decentralized application, i.e. a Dapp.
- Register for a professional blockchain certification program
- Practice strategic skills that will enable you to develop efficient and effective solutions to blockchain-related problems
- Interoperability is a concept you should learn about
- Work towards understanding the various blockchain platforms
- Be versatile and excellent in the different programming languages
- Learn how various ecosystems or standards operate
- Study the conditions for front-end and back-end web development
- Join the network of ICOs and cryptocurrencies in order to have technical knowledge about how blockchain technology operates and also to become a better trader or investor. This will give you two benefits:
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- Advanced data security and better identity protection
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- The opportunity to contribute to other groundbreaking modern technological fields
- Lastly, all that is left is for you to start coding!
2 Types of Blockchain Developers
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Core Blockchain Developer
The functions of this type of blockchain developer are to design the blockchain architecture, blockchain protocols, consensus protocols, and security system for the network. This type of blockchain developer will also be tasked with the responsibility of supervising the whole network and driving advanced decisions associated with blockchain technology.
Duties of Core Blockchain Developer
- Responsible for designing the protocols to be implemented within the blockchain
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- Responsible for designing the structure and layout of the blockchain system
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- Monitoring the processes taking place in the larger blockchain system
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- Creation of consensus mechanisms, as well as security codes for the blockchain
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Blockchain Software Developer
This second type of developer is responsible for the development of smart contracts, interactive front-end designs for decentralized apps, and back-end blockchain. A blockchain software developer will also supervise the whole stack operating their Dapps. A blockchain software developer employs the structure and mechanisms designed by the core blockchain developer to develop decentralized applications that operate on blockchain networks.
Roles of Blockchain Software Developer
- Creating communicative front-end features for Decentralized apps (Apps)
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- Monitoring the whole stack that helps in the operation of their decentralized apps
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- Creating smart contracts for efficient transactions within the blockchain
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- Creation of back-end designs for the blockchain
( Also Read: Blockchain Implementation for Your Business )
Skills Required To Become a Blockchain Developer
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Understanding of Blockchain Architecture
It is necessary for blockchain developers to possess a significant and applicative understanding of the structure and modes of operation of the blockchain.
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In-depth knowledge of data structures
A prospect in the field of blockchain development should understand the basics of data structures, as well as how to apply this knowledge. Without the knowledge of different data structures, a blockchain developer will be unable to utilize advanced cryptography to design a secure and immutable blockchain.
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Smart Contract Development
The launching of Ethereum has greatly popularized the concept of smart contracts. Learning about smart contract development involves knowing network-specific languages such as Chaincode, Viper, and of course Solidity.
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Basic Understanding of Cryptography
The functionality of cryptographic methods in the development of blockchain cannot be ignored. Without a basic understanding of how these cryptographic methods are employed in blockchain development, it is impossible to venture into the blockchain technology industry.
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Web-Development Skills
This is one of the blockchain developer skills that are useful for the basic designing of decentralized applications. Possessing web-development skills will imply that you have the basic knowledge of both front-end and back-end development skills such as API handling, development of interactive graphical user interfaces for Dapps, and request handling amongst others.
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Knowing how to code
Coding is definitely a necessary skill that can not be compromised when it comes to blockchain development. Every blockchain engineer is required to know the basics of coding and how to effectively and efficiently write codes within the blockchain system.
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Versatility with Different Programming Languages
As it has been mentioned a couple of times in this article, different blockchain platforms may have their network-specific languages. In order to maintain your relevance as a professional blockchain developer, you have to familiarize yourself with the various programming languages that you can learn.
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Platforms and Networks
There are several blockchain platforms and networks actively operating in the blockchain system. A prospective blockchain developer should be able to understand how each of these blockchain networks and platforms differs from each other. Knowing their unique features is necessary.
Challenges Faced by A Blockchain Developer
The blockchain technology has its challenges and below are some of the issues that blockchain developers may be faced with:
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Susceptibility to hackers
The code in blockchain systems is public and visible for everyone. This means that hackers can take advantage of this to hack the system and paralyze the security of blockchain transactions. By implication, this delays the development of blockchain.
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Management of Resources
Another challenge blockchain developers face is that they constantly have to meet up with the demands of all remote and local users with the real-time response the moment they go live.
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Coding Language
It is necessary for the coding language to be versatile. This is because certain codes can be executed parallel, while others can not. The differences in programming languages when it comes to parallel processing is a challenge that blockchain developers are trying to resolve.
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Separation
It is expected that every transaction in every situation should have the same outcome. In the same manner, smart contracts should also be deterministic. Blockchain developers should separate transactions and smart contracts from non-deterministic factors.
The Top Organizations That Hire Blockchain Developers
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QSS Technosoft Pvt. Ltd
This is a software development company located in Noida, India. They specialize in the development of mobile apps (Android, iOS, Xamarin, Phonegap, etc.). At QSS Technosoft, the basic blockchain developer salaries are as follows: for a software engineer – an estimate of $500 per month, senior software developer – $800 to $1000 per month, software developer – $680- $740 per month, and android developer – $700 per month.
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Quest Global Tech
This is an award-winning blockchain application development company that has been ranked #7 among the world’s top blockchain development companies. Their area of expertise is versatile, and it covers fields such as Education, E-commerce, Finance, etc. Quest GLT is an information technology company that works on SMAC Technologies, i.e., Social, Mobile, Analytics, and Cloud. They provide effective solutions to corporate and individual clients.
Quest GLT may be your best bet as a blockchain engineer seeking to develop accurate, precise, and cost-adequate solutions.
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ArcTouch
ArcTouch is a blockchain consulting and development company that helps companies with their Alexa skills, strategy designs, web sites, blockchain development, back-end APIs, as well as developing, testing, deploying, and maintenance of blockchain platforms. The company has an estimated annual revenue of $21 million and approximately 211 employees.
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Altoros
This is a consultancy and professional services company that assists in transforming innovative technologies into sustainable products. For blockchain engineers looking forward to providing complete end-to-end blockchain solutions, as well as AI, and cloud automation, then this is the company for you. Altoros’ clients include Microsoft, Toyota, Sony, and Cisco among others.
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Intellectsoft
Intellectsoft hires top blockchain engineers and software, development experts. It is one of the best blockchain companies that have contributed to the progressive growth of blockchain architect. The top clients of Intellectsoft are Jaguar, Universal Pictures, Eurostar, and Harley Davidson.
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LeewayHertz
This is another top blockchain development company that has successfully impacted the growth of blockchain technology. If you are a prospective blockchain developer looking forward to providing solutions for startups and new businesses, then this is the company for you.
LeewayHertz will give you the opportunity to offer end-to-end solutions for businesses especially in the area of designing, developing, deploying, and maintaining digital technology products and apps. Their top clients include the U.S. Army, Siemens, Pearson, and P&G.
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Code Brew Labs
Code Brew Labs is one of the best blockchain app development service providers. The company is an award-winning blockchain design and development company that specializes in cryptocurrency exchange development, mobile app development, blockchain app development, and web development.
Code Brew Labs will hire blockchain developers and private development experts who can design private blockchain with secure decentralized databases for their clients.
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Empirica
This is one of the best blockchain Fintech companies that help to support Fintech startups. Empirica is known to hire a blockchain software developer, managers, and other highly qualified experts.
Final Thoughts
According to BIS Research reported by Shazlie Kahn, “the blockchain technology could save the financial institutions over $40 billion per year in infrastructure, IT, operational, third-party fee, and administrative personnel costs.
This exposition is causing many companies to leverage on the numerous benefits that blockchain development provides. This is the more reason why blockchain developers will be highly sought after and valued in no time.
If you already possess the necessary skills, requirements and knowledge base highlighted in this article, then do not waste time in applying to any of the top blockchain development companies in the world.
However, if you are still a prospect looking forward to building a solid career in blockchain development, then do not hesitate to begin following all the guidelines that have been highlighted in this article. Make the best use of your blockchain developer tools, and you are sure to excel as an excellent blockchain developer.
