Introduction

If you are looking to make a career change and become a blockchain developer, you are in the right place. This guide will show you the steps you need to take to join the Blockchain ecosystem.

Blockchain technology is a distributed database that allows for secure, transparent and tamper-proof transactions. The technology can be used for a variety of purposes, such as tracking the ownership of assets or recording votes. Blockchain technology has come a long way and it has a great potential to revolutionize the way businesses operate.

Blockchain is a very niche technology and there is always a shortage of well qualified Blockchain professionals. According to ZipRecruiter, the annual average salary for a junior-level blockchain developer in the USA is around $120,748.

Who is a Blockchain Developer?

A blockchain developer has the knowledge and skill-set to develop and optimize decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts based on blockchain as well as blockchain architecture and protocols.

What are the skills needed to be become a Blockchain Developer?

Some of the essential skills to work on various Blockchain platforms include excellent programming skills, basic knowledge of blockchain protocols, strong analytical skills, and effective communication skills. 

Let us explore these in more detail:

1. Understand what blockchain is and how it works.

Blockchain technology is a distributed database that allows for secure, transparent and tamper-proof transactions. It is best known for being the technology behind Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, but the technology has many potential applications beyond digital currencies.

Blockchain is essentially a distributed ledger that allows for secure, transparent and tamper-proof transactions. Transactions are verified by multiple parties before being added to the blockchain, and once they are added, they are essentially immutable. This makes blockchain a powerful tool for secure transactions, and its potential applications go beyond digital currencies.

2. Learn about the different types of blockchains.

Blockchain technology is a distributed database that allows for secure, transparent and tamper-proof transactions. The technology can be used to create digital currencies and has the potential to revolutionize the way the world does business. There are four types of blockchain structures:

Public Blockchains

Public blockchains allow anyone to join, and are completely decentralized.  Public blockchains allow all nodes of the blockchain to have equal rights to access the blockchain, create new blocks of data, and validate blocks of data. 

Private (or Managed) Blockchains

A private blockchain network is a decentralized peer-­to-peer network. However, one organization is in charge of the network, controlling who can participate, execute a consensus protocol, and maintain the shared ledger of transactions.

Consortium Blockchains

Consortium blockchains are permissioned blockchains governed by a group of organizations. These pre-selected organizations determine who may submit transactions or access the data. 

Hybrid blockchains

Hybrid blockchains are blockchains that are controlled by a single organization, but with a level of oversight performed by the public blockchain, which is required to perform certain transaction validations. 

Here is a look at some of the most popular dApps development platforms:

Bitcoin Blockchain: The Bitcoin blockchain is the first and most well-known blockchain. It was created in 2009 and is used to track and record Bitcoin transactions. The Bitcoin blockchain is a public blockchain 

Ethereum Blockchain: The Ethereum blockchain is a public blockchain that was created in 2015. It allows for the creation of smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts that are triggered when certain conditions are met.

Hyperledger Blockchain: The Hyperledger blockchain is a consortium blockchain that was created in 2015. It is a platform for developing and deploying blockchain applications.

3.1 Learn how to code

Besides learning the basics of Blockchain, in order to become a blockchain developer, you need to be able to code. This can be done by taking online courses, participating in hackathons, or working on real-world projects. 

In addition to code, data structures (graphs, binary search trees, linked lists, and hash maps)  is one of the foremost requirements that is associated with blockchain developer job roles.

There are many different coding languages, but the most popular ones for blockchain development are Python and Solidity.

Python: Python is a versatile programming language that is easy to learn and use. It is popular for blockchain development because it can be  used to create simple scripts and is also used in the development of Ethereum-based smart contracts.

Solidity: Solidity is a programming language that was specifically designed for Ethereum-based smart contract development. It is based on JavaScript and is considered to be relatively easy to learn.

3.2 Understand the Cryptography concepts

As a core Blockchain developer you should learn about various Cryptographic concepts such as digital signatures, hash functions, RSA algorithm.

3.2 Develop Your Own Projects

Developing your own Blockchain project can be a very rewarding experience. It can allow you to learn new things and to explore your interests in a more in-depth way. It can also be a great way to build your skills and experience. Additionally, developing your own project can help you to network with other people who share your interests. Ultimately, developing your own project can be a great way to further your career or education.

3.3 Get Blockchain Certification

If you want your resume to get noticed, consider having a certification. One of the most popular option is the certification from Blockchain Council.

4. Join a blockchain development community.

There are many different online communities where blockchain developers can share their knowledge and experiences. These communities are a great place to learn more about blockchain development and to find mentors who can help you develop your

Volunteering is another great way to give back and meet new people. There are also many events and activities that take place in the community throughout the year. Getting involved is a great way to learn more about your community and make new friends.

5. Understand the benefits of blockchain technology.

Blockchain technology has many benefits, including:

Security: Blockchain technology is secure because it is built on a distributed ledger system. This means that there is no central point of vulnerability and the data is encrypted.

Decentralization: Blockchain technology is decentralized, meaning that there is no single point of control. This allows for greater transparency and accountability.

Flexibility: Blockchain technology is flexible and can be used for a variety of purposes.

6. Learn about the different applications of blockchain technology. 

Blockchain technology is being used in a variety of industries to improve the security and efficiency of transactions. Some of the most common applications of blockchain technology include:

1. Cryptocurrency: Blockchain technology is used to create and track transactions in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

2. Supply Chain Management: Blockchain technology can be used to improve the transparency and efficiency of supply chains.

3. Identity Management: Blockchain technology can be used to create and manage digital identities.

4. Voting: Blockchain technology can be used to securely and transparently manage voting

7. Understand how blockchain is changing the world.

Blockchain technology is a distributed database that allows for secure, transparent and tamper-proof transactions. It is this security and transparency that has led to blockchain being hailed as a potential game-changer for a number of industries. A number of projects are underway that are using blockchain to revolutionize everything, from finance to healthcare.

8. Where to apply for a blockchain developer job

There are a variety of ways you may apply for a job as a blockchain developer. Try submitting your application at one of the leading blockchain development companies like Webisoft. For related job posts, you may also search employment boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn. Blockchain-specific employment portals include CryptoJobs and Blocktribe. Attending industry events and networking with other blockchain engineers might potentially result in employment chances. Also think about honing your blockchain programming talents and assembling a great portfolio to demonstrate your expertise.

A day in the life of Blockchain Developer

It goes without saying that first of, you need to have the Blockchain basics right. Besides that, everyday roles and responsibilities of a Blockchain engineer includes: 

  • Design the Blockchain protocols
  • Design the network architecture that can be used for the centralizing or decentralizing the data
  • Develop and monitory smart contracts
  • Coordinate with broader team to integrate blockchain contracts into the stack
  • Backend development according to the Blockchain protocols

Conclusion

Blockchain technology is growing by leaps and bounds and with it comes the rising demand for blockchain developers. There are more open Blockchain jobs that are going unfilled than ever. Becoming a blockchain developer is not easy, but it is worth it. With the right skills and dedication, you can have a very rewarding Blockchain career.

Further Reading:

How to start your career in Data Science and Machine Learning.

How to start a career in cloud

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