Ultimate Roadmap to Becoming a Blockchain Developer: With Links to Key Resources Included
Have you ever wondered how the internet could be more secure and transparent? What if there was a way to track information digitally, ensuring its accuracy and accessibility for everyone involved, without relying on a single central authority? This is the promise of Blockchain Technology, a revolutionary concept that’s transforming various industries.
This guide will be your roadmap to becoming a blockchain pro. But before we jump into the fancy coding stuff, let’s build a strong foundation. Because that’s important!
Level Up Your Coding Skills
I am sure you loved building stuff with Legos at some point in your life. The more shapes and colors you have, the cooler your creations can be!
Coding is similar to it. To become a blockchain developer, it’s helpful to know some basic coding skills like how to use variables (like placeholders for information), build different structures with data (like organizing your Legos by color and size), and follow clear instructions (like a recipe) to make things happen.
What is Blockchain — Understanding it’s Basics:
Alright, coding bootcamp complete! Now, let’s dive into the world of blockchain.
What if there’s a giant sheet of paper where everyone writes down information, but instead of one person in charge (like a teacher), everyone agrees on what’s written and no one can erase it!
That’s kind of how a blockchain works. It’s a special kind of database where information is stored in blocks, like pages in a book. These blocks are chained together, and everyone on the network has a copy.
This makes it super secure because if someone tries to change something, everyone else will know!
Here are some key things to remember about blockchains:
- Distributed Ledger: Imagine a giant shared notebook (the ledger) where everyone can see the information (distributed).
- Blocks: These are like pages in the notebook, where information is grouped together.
- Security: Because everyone has a copy of the notebook, it’s very difficult to cheat or change information.
What is Decentralization and Web3?
Remember that teacher in charge of the notebook? In the blockchain world, there’s no one boss! This is called decentralization. It means everyone on the network has a say, making it fairer and more secure.
Now, imagine a whole new internet built on this idea of decentralization, where users have more control over their data and applications. That’s the dream of Web3 technology!
What is Smart Contract — Explained in Simple Terms:
Okay what if there’s a magical vending machine that only dispenses your favorite candy if you follow the exact instructions (like putting in the right amount of money and choosing the right button). Now that’s more like smart contract! It’s a special program that lives on the blockchain and automatically executes when certain conditions are met.
I got another cool example — Let’s say you want to sell your skateboard online. You can create a smart contract that holds the payment securely until the buyer receives the skateboard. Once they confirm delivery, the smart contract automatically releases the payment to you. Pretty neat, right?
And not just that, Smart Contracts have several benefits when it comes to strengthening application security.
How important is it for blockchain developer to learn Solidity?
Solidity is the most popular language for building smart contracts, kind of like the special instructions the vending machine understands. By learning Solidity, you’ll be able to create these self-executing programs that power all sorts of cool blockchain use cases in various industries.
Why should Blockchain Developers learn Cryptography?
Remember how we talked about the super secure blockchain ledger? Well, a big part of that security comes from Cryptography, but its not a fancy word for secret codes.
Blockchain uses special codes and algorithms (like complex math formulas) to scramble information and make it almost impossible to tamper with.
Think of it like this — Writing a secret message in a special code only you and your friend understand. Even if someone finds the message, they wouldn’t be able to read it without the code! Cryptography works similarly on the blockchain, keeping your information safe and sound.
As a blockchain developer, understanding Cryptography is crucial for building secure and reliable smart contracts.
Distributed Systems and Networking
Blockchains are like giant networks of computers working together. Each computer has a copy of the blockchain and constantly communicates with others to verify information and ensure everyone is on the same page. Understanding how these distributed systems work is essential for building blockchain applications.
Picture a classroom where everyone has a copy of the same textbook (the blockchain) and can discuss things with each other to make sure everyone understands the lesson. That’s kind of how communication works on a blockchain network.
Building with Blockchain Development Tools:
If you are building a house, you wouldn’t use your bare hands, right? Similarly, blockchain developers use specialized tools to write smart contracts, test them, and deploy them onto the blockchain. Here are some key players:
- IDEs (Integrated Development Environments): Think of these as your fancy blockchain coding playgrounds. Popular options like Remix, Truffle, or Hardhat provide features specifically designed for smart contract development, making coding easier and more efficient.
- Blockchain Explorers and Debuggers: Just like bug catchers help exterminators find pesky insects, blockchain explorers help developers find and fix errors (bugs) in their smart contracts. These tools allow you to visualize the blockchain, inspect transactions, and debug your code.
Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3 —
Building something awesome is great, but making sure it works flawlessly is even better! Just like you wouldn’t want a wobbly house, you wouldn’t want a buggy smart contract. That’s where testing frameworks come in.
Frameworks like Truffle’s Develop help developers write unit tests, which are like mini-challenges that ensure each part of your smart contract functions correctly. Thorough testing is crucial for building secure and reliable blockchain applications.
Building dApps (Decentralized Applications)
Remember Web3, the decentralized future of the internet? Well, guess who builds the applications that run on it? Blockchain Developers! These applications, called dApps, they are like regular apps you use on your phone, but they operate on a decentralized network, giving users more control over their data.
To build the user interface (the visual part you interact with) of your dApp, you might use popular front-end libraries like React or Vue.js. Additionally, frameworks like web3.js act as bridges, allowing your dApp to communicate with the blockchain and interact with smart contracts.
Blockchain is not Just about Bitcoin —
While blockchains like Ethereum are widely popular, there’s a whole cosmos of alternative blockchains out there, each with its unique features and purposes.
Here are a few to pique your curiosity:
- Hyperledger Fabric: It’s like a permissioned blockchain, a private club with limited membership. Hyperledger Fabric caters to businesses that require more control and privacy compared to open blockchains.
- EOS and Solana: Think of these as high-speed blockchains, designed to handle a larger volume of transactions compared to traditional options. They’re perfect for applications that require quick processing times.
Understanding these alternative blockchains opens doors to exciting development opportunities in various industries.
What is Decentralized Finance (DeFi)?
Money on the blockchain? That’s the magic of DeFi! It’s a revolutionary concept that allows for financial services like lending, borrowing, and trading without traditional institutions. DeFi applications leverage smart contracts to automate these processes in a secure and transparent way.
As a blockchain developer, you could build innovative DeFi protocols that empower users to manage their finances on their own terms.
What is NFTs?
Have you heard of digital art selling for millions? That’s the power of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)! These blockchain-based tokens represent unique digital assets, like artwork or even in-game items, allowing for true digital ownership. Of course there are several other ways to make money from NFTs.
What is Metaverse in Blockchain?
The metaverse, a virtual world powered by blockchain, is another exciting frontier. Here, developers can create immersive experiences that leverage NFTs and other blockchain features.
How to Build a Career in Blockchain as a Blockchain Developer?
Now that you’ve explored the vast potential of blockchain development, it’s time to turn your passion into a career!
Here are some tips to get you started:
- Contribute to Open Source Projects: Imagine a giant jungle gym built by many kids. Open-source blockchain projects function similarly. Contributing code to these projects not only helps the community but also strengthens your portfolio and showcases your skills.
- Freelancing and Blockchain Jobs: The demand for skilled blockchain developers is high! Explore freelance platforms or blockchain-specific job boards to find exciting projects and opportunities.
- Stay Curious and Keep Learning: The world of blockchain is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements by following relevant communities, forums, and educational resources.
What are the Development Tools and Frameworks to learn as a Blockchain Developer?
Equipping yourself with the right tools is important for efficient and successful blockchain development. Let’s delve deeper into the categories I mentioned previously so that you get a clear idea about what lies ahead:
Blockchain Development Tools for Blockchain Developer:
- Integrated Development Environments (IDEs): This is your favorite code editor on steroids! IDEs specifically designed for blockchain development provide a comprehensive suite of features to streamline your workflow. Here are some popular options:
- Remix: A browser-based IDE that allows you to write, compile, and deploy smart contracts directly in your web browser. It’s a fantastic option for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and built-in tutorials.
- Truffle: A powerful framework that offers a complete development environment for smart contracts on Ethereum. Truffle provides features like smart contract compilation, testing, deployment, and integration with popular front-end libraries.
- Hardhat: Another feature-rich framework gaining traction, Hardhat focuses on flexibility and modularity. It allows developers to customize their development environment by integrating specific tools and plugins they need.
- Blockchain Explorers and Debuggers: Think of these as detective tools for the blockchain world! Blockchain explorers allow you to visualize the blockchain, track transactions, and inspect smart contract data. Debuggers, on the other hand, help you identify and fix errors (bugs) in your smart contract code. Here are some popular examples:
- Etherscan: A well-known explorer for the Ethereum blockchain, allowing you to search for transactions, smart contracts, and wallet addresses. It provides various functionalities like code verification and gas fee estimation.
- Truffle Develop: While primarily a testing framework, Truffle Develop also offers debugging capabilities for smart contracts written in Solidity.
- Remix Debugger: The Remix IDE has a built-in debugger that allows you to step through your code line by line, inspect variables, and identify potential issues in your smart contracts.
If you are still wondering, here are some of the top programming languages used in Blockchain development:
What are the Testing and Deployment Strategies that a Blockchain Developer should learn?
- Testing Frameworks: Just like checking your homework before submitting it, testing your smart contracts is crucial before deploying them on the blockchain. Testing frameworks like Truffle’s Develop enable you to write unit tests, which are mini-programs that ensure each part of your smart contract functions as intended. Thorough testing helps prevent bugs and vulnerabilities that could have serious consequences in a deployed contract.
- Blockchain Testnets and Mainnet Deployment: Think of a testnet as a safe playground for your smart contracts. Testnets are essentially blockchain networks specifically designed for testing and development purposes. They allow you to deploy your smart contracts, test their functionality, and identify issues in a controlled environment without risking real funds or data.
Once you’re confident about your smart contract’s performance and security, it’s time to deploy it to the mainnet. The mainnet is the actual public blockchain network, where your smart contract will be accessible to everyone. Deploying to the mainnet is a permanent process, so ensuring thorough testing beforehand is critical.
How to get started with Building dApps as a Beginner?
- Front-End Development Libraries: The user interface (UI) of your dApp, the part users interact with, is built using traditional web development tools. Popular front-end libraries like React or Vue.js provide building blocks for creating interactive and visually appealing UI components.
- dApp Communication Frameworks: Bridging the gap between your dApp’s front-end and the blockchain is where frameworks like web3.js come into play. Web3.js is a JavaScript library that allows your dApp to interact with the Ethereum blockchain. It provides functionalities like sending transactions, reading data from smart contracts, and connecting to different blockchain nodes.
What are the Top Jobs in Blockchain Industry Currently?
1. Blockchain Developer:
As a blockchain developer, you’ll be the mind behind building smart contracts, decentralized applications, and other blockchain-powered solutions. Your skills will be crucial in shaping the future of various industries.
2. Blockchain Architect:
Blockchain architects are responsible for designing and implementing the overall architecture of blockchain systems. They focus on scalability, security, and performance, ensuring the blockchain can handle the demands of its users.
3. Blockchain Project Manager:
Blockchain project managers oversee the entire development lifecycle of blockchain projects. They manage teams, ensure project timelines are met, and navigate the complexities of this ever-evolving technology.
4. Blockchain Security Engineer:
Security is paramount in blockchain technology. Blockchain security engineers are responsible for identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in smart contracts and blockchain systems.
5. Blockchain Consultant:
Blockchain consultants provide expertise and guidance to businesses looking to leverage blockchain technology. They help companies identify potential use cases, develop strategies, and navigate the implementation process.
6. Blockchain Analyst:
Blockchain analysts delve into blockchain data to identify trends, patterns, and insights. They use their analytical skills to assess the viability of blockchain projects and inform business decisions.
7. Blockchain UX/UI Designer:
Just like any application, a user-friendly interface is essential for successful dApps. Blockchain UX/UI designers focus on creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for dApps, ensuring a seamless user experience.
8. Blockchain Lawyer/Legal Consultant:
The legal implications of blockchain technology are still evolving. Blockchain lawyers and legal consultants provide guidance on regulatory compliance, smart contract law, and other legal aspects of blockchain applications.
9. Blockchain Quality Engineer:
Quality engineers ensure the quality, functionality, and reliability of blockchain applications. They perform rigorous testing procedures to identify and fix bugs before deployment.
10. Crypto Community Manager:
Crypto community managers play a vital role in fostering communication and engagement within cryptocurrency and blockchain communities. They manage social media platforms, organize events, and act as a bridge between the project and its user base.
Resources for Aspiring Blockchain Developers:
The road to becoming a blockchain developer is exciting but requires dedication and continuous learning. Here are some helpful resources to fuel your journey:
- Online Courses and Bootcamps: Numerous online platforms offer comprehensive blockchain development courses and bootcamps. These programs can provide a structured learning path and equip you with the necessary skills.
- Books and Tutorials: Dive deeper with well-regarded books and online tutorials on specific blockchain concepts, smart contract development, and popular tools.
- Blockchain Communities and Forums: Connect with fellow blockchain enthusiasts and developers through online communities and forums. Ask questions, share ideas, and learn from the experiences of others.
- YouTube Channels and Podcasts: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and insights by following informative YouTube channels and podcasts dedicated to blockchain technology.
Top 10 Resources to Learn Blockchain as a Beginner (Free/Paid)
1. Codecademy: Basics of Blockchain with Python (Beginner-Friendly)
Platform: Web browser
Price: $19.99/month
Time Commitment: 2 hours
What you get:
- Interactive, self-paced learning.
- Perfect for beginners with no prior knowledge (some Python experience recommended).
- Covers fundamental blockchain concepts and implementation in Python.
2. Microsoft: Blockchain Development Learning Path (Free & Beginner-Friendly)
Platform: Online text-based modules
Price: Free
Time Commitment: Self-paced
What you get:
- Step-by-step introduction suitable for beginners (some coding knowledge helpful).
- Covers core blockchain concepts, working with Solidity, and building dApps.
3. Ethereum Solidity Documentation (Advanced)
Platform: Online documentation
Price: Free
Time Commitment: Self-paced
What you get:
- In-depth resource for experienced developers wanting to learn Solidity for smart contract development.
- Well-documented with a large developer community for support.
4. Udacity: Blockchain Developer Nanodegree Program (Intermediate to Advanced)
Platform: Udacity online platform
Price: $399/month (pay-as-you-go) or $1356 for 4-month access
Time Commitment: 4 months
What you get:
- Comprehensive program for developers with object-oriented programming knowledge.
- Covers blockchain fundamentals, Ethereum smart contracts, dApp development, and a final project.
5. University of Nicosia: MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency (Academic Degree)
Platform: Online academic program
Price: €12,960 (most expensive on this list)
Time Commitment: 1.5 years
What you get:
- World’s first Master’s degree in Blockchain, offering a credited academic qualification.
- Provides development and management tracks within the program.
6. Coursera: Selection of Blockchain Courses (Varied Levels)
Platform: Coursera online platform
Price: Varies from free to premium depending on the course
Time Commitment: Varies depending on the course
What you get:
- Massive selection of courses from top universities and companies.
- Offers beginner-friendly to advanced courses on blockchain, cryptocurrency, and DeFi.
7. Pluralsight: Blockchain Fundamentals (Beginner-Friendly)
Platform: Pluralsight online platform
Price: Starts at $29/month (after a 10-day trial)
Time Commitment: Less than 3 hours
What you get:
- Introductory course for beginners with no coding experience required.
- Explores Ethereum blockchain, smart contracts, dApp development, and private blockchains.
8. edX: Berkeley Professional Certificate in Blockchain Fundamentals (Intermediate)
Platform: edX online platform
Price: $178
Time Commitment: 3 months (3–5 hours/week)
What you get:
- Self-paced, non-credited academic course from UC Berkeley.
- Covers core blockchain topics and cryptocurrency fundamentals.
- Some coding and cryptography knowledge recommended.
9. Udemy: Blockchain and Bitcoin Fundamentals (Beginner-Friendly)
Platform: Udemy online platform
Price: Starts at €17.99
Time Commitment: Self-paced video lectures
What you get:
- Beginner-friendly course with no prior coding experience required.
- Focuses on blockchain basics, Bitcoin, and cryptocurrency fundamentals.
10. Free Online Resources: YouTube, Medium, Stack Overflow (All Levels)
Platform: Various online platforms
Price: Free
Time Commitment: Self-paced
What you get:
- Vast amount of free resources available online for all skill levels.
- Explore YouTube tutorials, Medium articles, and Stack Overflow forums for in-depth learning and community support.
Free YouTube Channels to Learn Blockchain (They are in random order)
- DApp University
- Eat the blocks
- Ivan on Tech
- Nader Dabit
- Samarth Developer
- Austin Griffith
- Merunas Grincalaitis
- Will it Scale
- Smart Contract Programmer
- Alchemy
- Hashlips NFT
- Patrick Collins
- ETHGlobal
- Finematics
- Moralis Web3
- Practical BlockchainBlockholic
- Blockchain at Berkeley
- Vlad Wulf
- Ethereum Engineering Group
- Web3 Club
- Mobilefish.com
- Simplilearn
- Crypto white board
- Aeternity Blockchain
- Chainlink
- Codiesalert
- Web3Academy
- Center for Innovative Finance
- Web3 Foundation
- Learn Web3 DAO
- Block Explorer
- CodeXpert
- Web3 Learn
- Edureka
- Code Eater
- Cyfrin Audits
Top 10 Books that every Blockchain Developer should Read (They are in no particular order)
- Blockchain Basics: A Non-Technical Introduction in 25 Steps by Daniel Drescher
- Publisher — Apress
- Publishing Year — 2017
- Suitable for — Beginner
- Price (estimate) — ~$20
- Buying link — https://a.co/d/3POlYEL
2. Mastering Bitcoin: Unlocking Digital Cryptocurrencies by Andreas M. Antonopoulos
- Publisher — O’Reilly Media
- Publishing Year — 2014
- Suitable for — Intermediate/Advanced
- Price (estimated) — ~$30
- Buying link — https://a.co/d/9KkEt15
3. Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin and Other Crypto is Changing the World by Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott
- Publisher — Portfolio Penguin
- Publishing Year — 2016
- Suitable for — Beginner/Intermediate
- Price (estimated) — ~$25
- Buying link — https://a.co/d/eTmbPBL
4. Blockchain Basics: A Simple Introduction by Lee Sebastian
- Publisher — Packt Publishing
- Publishing Year — 2017
- Suitable for — Beginner
- Price (estimated) — ~$20
- Buying link — https://a.co/d/dWGUxvw
5. Blockchain Applications: A Hands-On Approach by Arshdeep Bahga and Vijay Madisetti
- Publisher — Apress
- Publishing Year — 2019
- Suitable for — Intermediate
- Price (estimated) — ~$40
- Buying link — https://a.co/d/0bOwgPB
6. Blockchain: The Ultimate Beginner Through Advanced Guide on Everything You Need to Know About Investing in Blockchain, Crypto, Bitcoin, Future of Finance by Samuel Rees
- Publisher — Independently published
- Publishing Year — 2021
- Suitable for — Beginner (be cautious of self-published works; reviews may be helpful)
- Price (estimated) — ~$40
- Buying link — https://www.alibris.com/Blockchain-The-Ultimate-Beginner-Through-Advanced-Guide-on-Everything-You-Need-to-Know-about-Investing-in-Blockchain-Cryptocurrencies-Bitcoin-Ethereum-and-the-Future-of-Finance-Samuel-Rees/book/39193408
7. Cryptoassets: The Innovative Investor’s Guide to Bitcoin and Beyond by Chris Burniske and Jack Tatar
- Publisher — McGraw-Hill Education
- Publishing Year — 2017
- Suitable for — Intermediate/Advanced
- Price (estimated) — ~$30
- Buying link — https://a.co/d/c1PxxN1
8. Blockchain: Blueprint for a New Economy by Melanie Swan
- Publisher — O’Reilly Media
- Publishing Year — 2015
- Suitable for — Intermediate/Advanced
- Price (estimated) — ~$30
- Buying link — https://a.co/d/aYLwemm
9. The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains by Antony Lewis
- Publisher — John Wiley & Sons
- Publishing Year — 2018
- Suitable for — Beginner
- Price (estimated) — ~$25
- Buying link — https://a.co/d/hOGa7lj
10. Crypto: How the Code Rebels Beat the Government — Saving Privacy in the Digital Age by Steven Levy
- Publisher — Penguin Random House
- Publishing Year — 2021
- Suitable for — Beginner/Intermediate
- Price (estimated) — ~$20
- Buying link — https://a.co/d/gmfCg9k
Conclusion
Remember, the world of blockchain is ever-evolving and the Benefits of Web3 for Businesses are endless. Stay curious, keep learning, and explore the vast opportunities this technology presents. Here’s a quick recap to set you on the right path:
- Contribute to Open Source Projects: Gain experience and showcase your skills by contributing to open-source blockchain projects.
- Freelancing and Blockchain Jobs: Explore freelance platforms or blockchain-specific job boards to find exciting projects and opportunities.
- Stay Updated: Follow relevant communities, forums, and educational resources to stay ahead of the curve in this dynamic field.
And… Welcome to the Exciting World of Blockchain!
