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Want to be a blockchain developer? Start with computer science basics, then web development, and finally dive into blockchain tech. ππ»π
So, you want to be a blockchain developer and enter the blockchain ecosystem to develop smart contracts. You are even thinking of doing smart contracts and earning a living in this sector. But let me guess, you don't know where or how to start, right? Well, you are in the right place. Hi everyone, I am Elan, and I work at Chainlink Labs as a deal engineer.
I'm sure you have done a lot of research on this and have an idea of how to become a blockchain developer. To be honest with you, I am going to offer you a different approach. Before diving into Solidity and blockchain, I believe it is really important to understand how the computer works. Therefore, I think the best roadmap to get started includes the basics of computer science, understanding how computers process information, the fundamentals of algorithms, and the role of programming languages.
Next, understanding the internet is crucial. For example, do you know how to communicate with computers? Do you know how the internet works? The internet is essentially a network of networks that includes IP addresses, DNS, and protocols like HTTP and HTTPS. Moving on, shell programming and some basic Unix and Linux commands are essential to learn.
Then, we have algorithms and data structures, which include arrays, linked lists, stacks, trees, hash tables, variables, and functions. Following that, web development is important, including HTML for structure, CSS for styling, and JavaScript for interactivity. You might be asking yourself, "Do I really need to learn web development for blockchain?" You don't have to, but having a solid understanding of these technologies will significantly accelerate your progress in the blockchain world. Many decentralized applications require a strong web development background.
Finally, let's get into blockchain, where the demand is high and the opportunities are endless. High salaries and exciting projects like Chainlink are shaping the future of industries like finance, gaming, education, and even arts. The best thing is you have the opportunity to work remotely from anywhere in the world.
You might be wondering about the difference between traditional applications and decentralized applications. Traditional applications rely on centralized databases, meaning all your data is stored in one place. In contrast, decentralized applications run on blockchain, which is decentralized. This means no single point of control, greater security, and transparency. For developers, this shift means thinking differently about data management and user interactions. Instead of usernames and passwords, you will be dealing with private keys and cryptographic security, which opens up new opportunities.
π‘ Dive into blockchain with programming skills, tools like Remix & Hardhat, and join the community for endless learning and growth! π
Opportunities in the field of computer science are vast. For example, if you have a background in computer science, you have likely learned technical terminology and algorithms. Now, if you want to improve yourself in blockchain, there are specific skills you should acquire.
First off, a solid foundation in programming is a must. If you know languages like JavaScript or Python, you're off to a good start. However, you will also need to pick up blockchain-specific languages like Solidity for Ethereum, Arbitrum, or the Avalanche ecosystem. You might also consider learning Vyper, another language for Ethereum smart contracts. For other blockchain platforms like Solana, Rust and Go are great choices. Rust is used in projects like Solana, and Go is used in projects like Hyperledger because it is efficient and easy to use. Additionally, JavaScript or TypeScript, with libraries like web3.js and ethers.js, are essential for building decentralized applications and interacting with the blockchain from web applications. Knowing these languages will make you versatile and able to work across different blockchain platforms.
Now, let's talk about the tools and frameworks that will make your life easier as a blockchain developer. Remix is great for writing and testing smart contracts. It is perfect for both beginners and experts alike, allowing you to write your Solidity code, test it, and deploy it to the Ethereum blockchain all from one place. Then we have Hardhat and Foundry, which are fantastic for local development, allowing you to test and deploy contracts in a controlled environment. Hardhat is currently the most popular IDE for blockchain development. Additionally, MetaMask is essential for interacting with the Ethereum blockchain directly from your browser.
For resources, make sure to check out the Chainlink Developer Hub. It is an amazing resource with everything you need in one place: frameworks, tools, tutorials, and much more. Head over to the Chainlink Developer Hub and get started today. I would recommend starting with educational courses on platforms like Cyphon, Updraft, Coursera, and YouTube. Patrick is the best one to follow, and Chainlink resources include boot camps, quick starters, developer tutorials, guides, and more.
To get practical experience, you should write and deploy simple smart contracts using tools like Remix and Hardhat. Practice is everything; you need to experience this firsthand. Joining the community, especially the Chainlink Community, is also crucial. It is a great learning place where curious and enthusiastic people with similar goals can share knowledge. Participate in hackathons and contribute to open-source projects.
Finally, apply for blockchain developer jobs, look for grants to fund your projects, or even start your own project. If you're already in a development role, consider transitioning to a blockchain-focused position by leveraging your current skills. Remember to subscribe to the Chainlink channel for more videos like this, and happy coding everyone. I hope to see you again soon!