How Hard Is It to Become a Blockchain Developer?

One of the rarest events in tech is finding yourself in a static position. With the highest turnover rates of any sector, constantly changing trends, the continuous appearance of disruptive products or technologies, and an ecosystem with as much corporate diversity as there are people, developers never “know enough” and are always challenged either by the projects they do or the very tools they use.

Blockchain has been a hot topic for a while now – as a booming sector spreading across a wide range of industries, its technology powering services that are being recognized and supported by more governments each day. But also, as a question mark for developers of all senioritis: “When, why and how –and should I even– go back to the study room and take up such a mammoth body of knowledge when I can barely keep up with what I have? Do I have to think about getting another student loan? Does it pay better? Will it cease being popular tomorrow?”

A New Mindset

The answers to the above questions are simpler than you’d think (yes, it pays better), but first, let’s acknowledge the most basic issue: The transition from “traditional” software to blockchain development implies a radical shift in conceiving and interacting with digital data. Usually, developers are accustomed to certain programming languages, product identities and centralized systems which are at odds with the very essence of blockchain. Concepts like record immutability, consensus mechanisms, smart contracts, and decentralized applications (DApps) require familiarizing oneself with a new paradigm.

Getting Certified

The blockchain educational landscape has grown exponentially in the last decade, offering a myriad of paths for aspiring developers. Institutions like the DEC Institute and the Web3 Observatory of Milan are at the forefront, providing specialized programs that explore each aspect of the technology in depth. Online platforms like Coursera and Udemy have extensive blockchain courses, covering everything from the basics to advanced smart contract development. For instance, Coursera offers courses in partnership with leading universities that examine blockchain's implications on business and society, while Udemy provides more hands-on coding classes focused on technologies like Ethereum and Solidity.

Language Mastery

The blockchain ecosystem is rich with diverse programming languages, each serving a unique purpose. Solidity is widely recognized as the standard for Ethereum smart contract development, with its syntax resembling that of JavaScript, making it relatively accessible for web developers. Viper, another language for Ethereum contracts, offers a Python-esque syntax, prioritizing security and simplicity. Rust, known for its performance and safety, is becoming increasingly popular in blockchain projects like Polkadot and Solana. Beyond smart contracts, understanding frontend technologies like React, Angular, and Vue is crucial for developing user-friendly DApps, while backend languages like Node.js and Go facilitate the creation of robust networks.

A Land of Opportunity

From startups to tech giants, being a blockchain developer means to be in high demand. At SpaceDev, for example, we offer a roster of services that reflects a multi-talented crew capable of MVP development, IT staff augmentation and a project portfolio showcasing different blockchain applications. Indeed, SpaceDev's commitment to delivering premium solutions rests on the shoulders of developers capable of transforming conceptual ideas into tangible products. Search for “blockchain” in UpWork, LinkedIn and other job search-related platforms to see the diversity of offers, and don’t hesitate to hit us up regarding our current open positions!

The Recruitment Conundrum

The surge in decentralized technologies has created a unique set of challenges for both developers and recruiters. For the first, the fast-evolving nature of blockchain means that continuous learning and adaptation are necessary. Recruiters and hiring managers, on the other hand, face the daunting task of identifying candidates with not only the technical skills required but also a deep understanding of blockchain's potential impact on various sectors. The ideal blockchain developer is a hybrid of a software engineer, a security expert, and a creative collaborator capable of thinking outside the box. This multifaceted skill set makes the recruitment process more complex but also more rewarding, as the right talent can significantly drive innovation and growth in a company.

Dispelling the Usual Myths

Blockchain is often associated with cryptocurrencies, NFTs, or even scams, limiting its perceived potential. However, a little research will reveal applications far beyond these areas. For instance, it’s revolutionizing supply chain management by offering unparalleled transparency and traceability, ensuring product authenticity and ethical sourcing, as well as paving the way for secure and efficient voting systems, potentially transforming democracies worldwide. Despite many seeing it as a field with a steep learning curve, there are abundant resources online, often accompanied by a supportive community.

Grasping blockchain and making a career out of it has never been easier. I encourage you to explore the terrain without fear, in the process expanding your toolkit and professional prospects. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me directly. Best of luck!