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Blockchain has made such an impact in just a few years of its birth that it has become the fastest-growing skill in the twenty-first century. In fact, the worldwide expenditure in blockchain technologies is expected to climb to $19 billion by 2024. So to be a blockchain developer at this point is quite a smart idea. Keep reading if you’re curious about how to reach this aim.
What are the different blockchain developer roles out there and what skills are required for them?
Depending on the specialisations required and job responsibilities, there are different types of blockchain developer positions available in various companies:
- Blockchain Core Developer:
JOB ROLE:
Blockchain Core Developer constructs the blockchain architecture, defines the protocol and consensus mechanism, and determines and executes high-level blockchain network decisions.
SKILLS REQUIRED:
- Knowledge of blockchain architecture,
- cryptographic hash functions,
- consensus mechanisms,
- distributed ledger technology,
- Data structures like Merkle Trees, Patricia Trees, etc.
- Languages such as Golang, Rust, Python, C++, and Java.
- Blockchain Software Developer (or Blockchain dApp developer):
JOB ROLE:
Blockchain software developers make decentralized applications (dApps) by creating smart contracts and deploying them on the blockchain with the help of the blockchain infrastructure built by Blockchain Core Developers.
SKILLS REQUIRED:
- Knowledge of blockchain basics,
- Blockchain development tools like Mist, MetaMask, Remix, Ganache, etc.,
- Languages such as Solidity or Substrate.
- Blockchain front-end developer:
JOB ROLE:
Here you’ll work in collaboration with UX/UI designers to create attractive and functional user interfaces for blockchain applications built on well-tested and dependable code.
SKILLS REQUIRED:
- An understanding of UI/UX in crypto,
- Knowledge of Javascript (ES6) for client-side applications,
- Knowledge of React.js for production-ready applications,
- Knowledge of Redux and middlewares like Trunk or Saga,
- Preferably experience with REST APIs and TypeScript too.
- Blockchain back-end developer:
JOB ROLE:
This role involves ensuring that your app can effectively retrieve and transmit data to a variety of service providers, as well as interact directly with the blockchain so that the end-user can communicate with the app easily.
SKILLS REQUIRED:
- An understanding of cryptocurrencies,
- Experience with JavaScript (ES6) – majorly Node.js and Express.js, plus preferably IntelliJ,
- Experience with REST APIs,
- Knowledge of relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL), etc.
So how do you become a blockchain developer?
As you can understand, becoming a developer in blockchain programming requires a lot of technical knowledge, but even that is not enough. Here is what you need to do if you wish to become a blockchain developer:
- Start with taking programming lessons:
Start with learning the programming languages required for the position of your choice. You will need to be an expert in the languages, data structures, databases and networking, as mentioned under each job role to become a developer. It is best if you can get a computer engineering or information technology degree, but it’s not essential, there are always bootcamps and other such specialised courses.
- Understand every technical and non-technical aspects of blockchain programming:
Once you are well-versed with the technical prerequisites, opt for blockchain courses for beginners, and move higher from there. Blockchain certifications are also available for specialised blockchain lessons. Post this, you will need to know various cryptographic concepts such as digital signatures, hash functions, RSA algorithm, etc. in order to get a more thorough understanding of blockchain programming.
- Learn about distributed computing and consensus mechanisms:
Blockchain is a distributed ledger that works in a peer-to-peer system operating on a consensus mechanism. So the blockchain technology courses that you apply for have to include these for sure.
- Have a good understanding of blockchain platforms:
To be a professional blockchain developer, it is crucial that you know how to choose the right platform for a specific job. R3 Corda, Ripple, Ethereum, and Hyperledger Fabric are some of the most regularly used frameworks and should be definitely covered in any offline or online courses for blockchain.
- Learn about cryptonomics:
The pricing of cryptocurrencies is determined by currency valuations and several fiscal policies. So the economical aspect of blockchain is important for you to know even when you apply for a blockchain developer position if you wish to move higher up the ladder.
- Get down to the field:
No matter how much theory you know, a portfolio with a list of hands-on projects completed always speaks louder to your potential employer. Apply for training programs or internships, as well as join discussion groups on Stack Exchange, Reddit, etc. to keep up with the current affairs of the technology.
Conclusion
In-depth knowledge is undeniably the key to success in any field. So pick your career and start working towards it. If you have made up your mind about becoming a blockchain developer, find some reputable and trustworthy online blockchain technology courses and just start learning, you will reach your goal in a flash.
