You have probably heard about the blockchain talent gap and have begun to wonder what a blockchain developer is. Being such an imperialistic technology, blockchain has established a new area of study called blockchain development. Before we get started, here is a list of the best blockchain books in 2022, in case you needed. So, let’s take a closer look at what it takes to become a blockchain developer.
What is a blockchain developer?
Blockchain is at the top of the list regarding emerging technology in today’s IT environment. According to Statistically, by 2025, the worldwide market for blockchain technology will reach $20 billion.
Blockchain isn’t only about Bitcoin; it’s something bigger and more transformative than that, and the technology is revolutionizing how the digital world works.
What is a blockchain developer is a hard question, but it is. Several IT giants, such as Samsung, IBM, Capgemini, and others, provide appealing job opportunities for Blockchain Professionals, and you may wish to pursue a career in blockchain development. There are many options when it comes to choosing your ideal career.
Blockchain development involves developing and optimizing blockchain protocols and crafting the architecture of blockchain systems. A blockchain developer is responsible for creating integrated smart contracts and web applications using blockchain technology.
Blockchain developer types
There are two categories of blockchain developers: those who create the technology and those who build apps on top of it.
Core blockchain developers
Blockchain software developers work on the architecture and protocols of a blockchain system and consensus algorithms, and high-level development decisions.
Blockchain software developers
Blockchain software developers create decentralized applications using the protocols and architecture developed by core blockchain developers.
Blockchain began as a Bitcoin and other digital currency technology, but numerous sectors have recognized its advantages, including banking, financial services, retail, energy, telecommunication, healthcare education, and government. Let’s find jobs from there.
How to become a blockchain developer from scratch?
The short and brief answer to this is: a Blockchain developer creates Blockchains! That was simple, right?
A blockchain is a digital, public transaction record or ledger maintained by many computers across the network. The term “blockchain” is often linked to Bitcoin because it was first used in that cryptocurrency. Still, the technology may also keep track of other data, information, and transactions. If you wonder about other blockchain use cases like blockchain gaming or types of blockchain, go to these articles.
Cryptocurrencies that depend on the blockchain are decentralized, so users do not have to visit a bank to access Bitcoin and other digital currencies. Blockchain enthusiasts and experts are developing new blockchain applications, such as for trade and healthcare records.
Everyday life of a blockchain developer
More specifically, the typical duties and responsibilities of a Blockchain developer are as follows:
- Developing Blockchain protocols
- Creating a data network structure for both centralizing and decentralizing data.
- Backend development according to the Blockchain protocols
- Creating front-end designs to match the needs of clients
- Constantly developing and monitoring any smart contracts
The responsibility of a Blockchain developer is to create creative answers to tough issues such as command and control and high integrity. The developer also performs complicated analysis, design, development, testing, and computer software debugging for organizations’ specific product hardware or technical service lines. Software design, system architecture integration, and computer system choice are all areas developers focus on. Finally, they work with various systems and apply their understanding of one or more platforms and languages to solve problems.
Of course, the Blockchain developer will encounter difficulties. There are problems comprehending the technical practicability of decentralized cryptosystems procedures that fall outside the traditional IT development skillset. This means you’ll need strong blockchain developer skills.
Blockchain developer skills in 2022
Blockchain developers carry out many tasks. To accomplish these responsibilities effectively, individuals must have several abilities. Like any other software developer position, a Blockchain developer must have soft and hard skills. Let’s take a look at them one by one. But first of all, a blockchain developer should be an expert in blockchain implementation challenges.
The ideal candidate for blockchain development has a good working relationship with others, understands their boundaries, and can think outside the box when approaching difficulties.
Blockchain architecture
Blockchain developers should have a firm grasp of blockchain architecture. They should be well-versed in cryptography, consensus, hash functions, distributed ledgers, smart contracts, and other key elements of understanding blockchain.
Data structures and algorithms
The blockchain requires that each computer (node) execute a smart contract whenever it is run. Also, because these activities are carried out in a decentralized environment, you generally have to pay a small fee for each transaction.
As a result, Blockchain initiatives are costly and valuable in the real world. It’s critical to ensure that the smart contracts are as efficient as possible.
To utilize the blockchain effectively, you must first grasp fundamental data structures and algorithms.
Cryptography
Because blockchain is a combination of data structures and advanced cryptography, it’s only natural that a firm grasp of cryptography is necessary to work as a blockchain developer. Aside from asynchronous encryption, several cryptographic techniques such as hash functions like SHA256 and KECCAK256 are utilized in blockchain development. It is impossible to be a blockchain developer without understanding how these operate.
Cryptonomics
As a blockchain developer, you’ll need to be familiar with the sociological principles of cryptocurrencies beyond just their technical abilities. It would be best if you understood the origins and distinctions between cryptocurrencies and conventional currencies.
It’s essential that you learn about the decentralized application (dApp) movement and why dApps have the potential to be so revolutionary. Game theory, currency valuation, and monetary policy on different crypto networks are a few other things you should get started with.
Smart contracts
The Ethereum blockchain introduced the concept of smart contracts. A smart contract is a simple definition of a program or script that runs on the blockchain. It serves as an intermediary between the two parties in a transaction, enabling them to exchange services. Simply stated, smart contracts may be used to execute business logic on the blockchain.
All the Blockchain solutions nowadays attempt to use smart contracts or a version of them. Ethereum has a market share of more than 80% in the Blockchain app and Web 3 (Decentralized) market, according to statistics. It’s critical to include smart contract development into your skill set since smart contracts power Ethereum and applications built on the blockchain.
Web development
A blockchain developer must be able to create websites. Many people who get started as blockchain developers in the sector are hired for basic app design. This implies you’ll have to be knowledgeable about both front-end and back-end development, including developing visual user interfaces for Dapps, API management, and request handling.
Business and finance
Blockchain has a wide range of real-world applications linked to finance and payments. Since blockchain is so entrenched in the fintech industry, aside from simply possessing excellent technical abilities, it’s also necessary to have a thorough grasp of how the financial sector works.
Aside from that, good communication, presentation, and collaboration abilities are always a plus.
What programming languages do you need to know?
You don’t have to be an expert in every programming language. Apps are increasingly developed using a variety of languages these days, each for a distinct purpose.
Here is a list of popular blockchain application programming languages:
- Solidity
- C++
- Java
- Python
- Simplicity
How long does it take to become a blockchain developer?
The length of the blockchain developer training varies depending on the target. It takes anywhere from three months to three years to complete, depending on the course, where it is taught, whether you pursue it on a full-time or part-time basis, and the amount of training you get. There are some blockchain development courses available that could help you.
3 best blockchain developer courses
You may study Blockchain programming online for free from websites like Udemy, Pluralsight, Coursera, 100 Blockchains, edX, Codecademy, Educative, and LinkedIn Learning.
Here are our top 3 picks:
- Blockchain A-Z™: Learn How To Build Your First Blockchain
- Learning Blockchain Development with EOS and C++ (Udemy)
- Blockchain Technology on edX
Blockchain developer jobs in 2022
Based on experience level, the following are some of the job responsibilities of a Blockchain developer.
Senior blockchain developer
- Manage the research, design, and development of Blockchain technologies.
- Collaborate with the management to define the company’s Blockchain requirements.
- As an alternative to developing custom solutions, deliver highly optimized outcomes utilizing either well-established technologies or innovative methods.
Intermediate-level blockchain developer
- Assist with Blockchain-related technical and program design. Assist in evaluating, developing, and delivering new services to clients. Collaborate with the staff to develop and provide Blockchain solutions.
- Creating test-driven application source codes, implementing features and interfaces with existing programming languages and developer tools
- Secure and optimize Blockchain apps with a variety of cryptographic approaches.
Junior blockchain developer
- The client-side and server-side applications are maintained.
- Documentation.
- Implementing tests and continuous integration for the application.
What is a blockchain developer salary?
Blockchain technology is one of the most lucrative programming careers, implying that blockchain experts frequently out-earn peers who know other languages.
According to job search site Hired.com, blockchain developers make an average of $150,000 to $175,000 per year.
Knowledge about blockchain technology is beneficial, whether it’s a lot or just a little. Beginning blockchain developers frequently make six-figure salaries.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary is over $157,000 per year. Here’s a look at how much each job pays.
Although few blockchain jobs pay astronomical salaries, many are competitive and rewarding. The average salary of a blockchain developer is $119,000 per year, with more than 1/3 earning over $180,000 per year.
The yearly income of 80% of all blockchain developers exceeds $115,000, with less than 10% earning less than $100,000.
There is a tremendous potential to earn a six-figure yearly income as a blockchain developer.
While paying the most in the United States, these positions are frequently available worldwide because blockchain development is highly remote-friendly, like in India.
What is blockchain developer salary in India?
Blockchain engineers’ earnings are determined by various factors, including employment location, business, years of expertise, and skill set. There are around 2000-6000 percent more job openings in this field every year. The pay for blockchain developers in India is expected to be 50-100 percent greater than for other developer work.
On a broad basis, the salary ranges from Rs 5,00,000 to Rs 30,00,000 LPA depending on the numerous criteria.
The national average salary in India is Rs 801,938. A blockchain developer with three years of experience may earn around $45,000 per year. Meanwhile, the average European pay for a blockchain developer is about $73,300, whereas the United States pays considerably more than $136,000.
Employment opportunities for blockchain developers in the future
There are hundreds of career possibilities open to blockchain developers in today’s market. There are many jobs with lucrative compensation available in the current economy. The demand for blockchain developers is at an all-time high, and there are now more employment opportunities than ever before. Blockchain development/engineering will only increase in demand, as it is currently considered the second most in-demand skill after robotics engineers. This isn’t just idle speculation. In sectors such as business and finance, where blockchain technology is becoming increasingly popular, businesses want to hire blockchain developers and architects to give them an advantage over their rivals. After all, DeFi, crypto, and blockchain will transform the metaverse, and with Artificial Intelligence, it will always find new ways to monetize data.
