What is a blockchain?
A blockchain is a digital database to store and organise crypto data. Blockchain data is digitally formatted into blocks that have limited storage capacity. Once the capacity is reached, the block closes and links to the preceding block, forming a chain. An immutable timestamp is created through cryptography when one block links to the previous block. This serves as a permanent record to verify sensitive blockchain transactions.
What is blockchain development?
Blockchain development consists of designing, building, and maintaining blockchain systems and applications. The objective is to use the unique features of blockchain technology to solve issues and create real-world use cases. Smart contracts are an ideal example of innovative blockchain development and are similar to regular contracts in that they record agreements between two parties. However, Smart contracts are computer programs stored on a blockchain protocol. They are automatically executed when the agreed-upon conditions are met. This automated process ensures that the contract is executed correctly in real-time. They do not rely on intermediaries for their functions.
What is a blockchain developer? And what does a blockchain developer do?
A blockchain developer is a software developer who develops, programs, and tests blockchain systems and applications. Usually, two types of blockchain developers exist:
- Core blockchain developers- They program and maintain the blockchain system architecture. They also design and develop protocols and supervise the entire blockchain network.
- Blockchain software developers build decentralized applications for existing blockchain networks. These developers handle the design, development, and maintenance of dApps.
How to become a blockchain developer?
Here are some of the general steps to start learning blockchain programming from scratch:
- Know the fundamentals: Study some of the fundamental elements of a blockchain, such as distributed systems, cryptography, data structures, and consensus systems.
- Programming language: Learn at least one programming language used in blockchain development, such as JavaScript, Python, and Solidity.
- Existing blockchain protocols: Study and gain knowledge of popular blockchain networks.
- Build blockchain projects: Start building simple projects, such as a simple Smart contract or a dApp, to get some experience.
- Online communities: Engage with the blockchain community by participating in online crypto groups or forums to network with blockchain professionals and expand your knowledge.
How long will it take to become a blockchain developer?
You can build a simple dApp quickly. If you are familiar with coding, you can code and run a dApp in one or two weeks. However, if you are not familiar with programming, then you will have to start with the basics of coding and then move on to blockchain development. This process could take a longer time; fast learners can take up to one to three months.
Technical skills required for a blockchain developer
You need to acquire several technical skills before getting into blockchain development. Some of the vital blockchain technical skills are listed below:
- Programming languages: You need to learn at least one programming language such as Python, Java, or Solidity before getting into blockchain development. Good knowledge of programming languages can enable you to develop blockchain systems and applications.
- Data structures: You should familiarize yourself with the concepts of data structures along with programming languages. Understanding data structures can help you develop efficient and immutable blockchain systems. You should have a thorough understanding of different data structures such as binary trees, hashing, linked lists, and more.
- Networking and databases: You are also expected to learn the fundamentals of networking and database concepts to become a blockchain developer. It will enable you to understand crucial blockchain concepts like distributed systems.
- Cryptography: This is one of the vital technical skills of a blockchain developer. You have to learn several cryptographic concepts such as hash functions, the RSA algorithm, digital signatures, and more to get started with blockchain programming.
Apart from these technical skills, you are expected to be familiar with the web development and design process, as it is vital for blockchain programming.
Benefits of Becoming a blockchain developer
The job demand for blockchain developers is very high, and blockchain skills can enable you to work with exciting and disruptive technology. This results in abundant job opportunities all over the world. Software development jobs are only going to rise throughout this decade, and so is the blockchain market. You can become a competitive job candidate if you have blockchain programming skills.
You can invest in popular blockchain platforms with ZebPay and start achieving your financial goals.
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