Becoming a Blockchain Developer: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Blockchain technology has taken the world by storm, and it’s no surprise that many individuals are interested in becoming blockchain developers. However, the journey to becoming a skilled blockchain developer can be overwhelming, especially for those starting with zero knowledge. With the plethora of information and resources available, it can be difficult to determine the best path to follow.

As a result, it’s common for aspiring blockchain developers to have questions about which programming language to learn first, whether to start with front-end or back-end technologies, and whether it’s possible to dive directly into Solidity without prior programming experience.

As a professional in the field, it’s essential to guide and support those who are eager to join the blockchain industry. In this article, I aim to provide a comprehensive roadmap for individuals who are looking to break into blockchain development and help them navigate the journey from zero knowledge to building decentralized applications. By covering the key skills and technologies required, this guide will serve as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to start a career in blockchain development.

Note: It is important to acknowledge that this guide is solely based on the my personal experience in becoming a blockchain developer and there may be alternative methods available.

1. Need-Based Learning

With five years of experience in software development, I have come to understand that it is not feasible or necessary to attempt to acquire knowledge of every tool, technology, or programming language in the constantly evolving field of software engineering. The sheer volume of information and advancements renders it impossible to retain proficiency in all areas. Thus, it is more efficient and effective to adopt a need-based approach to learning, focusing on acquiring skills and knowledge as they become necessary in one’s work.

2. Learning Programming Fundamentals

Adhering to a need-based approach to learning, proficiency in a programming language is deemed a foundational requirement for those aspiring to become software engineers or blockchain developers.

For this reason, it is critical to invest time and effort in strengthening your programming fundamentals before venturing into the frontend, backend, or blockchain development.

However, I do not recommend starting with JavaScript or Solidity as a first programming language. JavaScript may not be well suited for practising fundamental programming concepts and Solidity’s additional complexities could hinder the development of a strong understanding of programming fundamentals.

Instead, I would suggest you begin by learning C++ or Java ( with a particular emphasis on Java) to familiarize yourself with programming basics and engage in extensive practice to master fundamental programming concepts.

Here you can find The Most Popular Coding Challenge Websites.

I know you want to become a blockchain developer and this thing will take lot of your time but believe me for strong buildings foundation is very important.

At this stage, it is expected that you have attained a robust grasp of programming concepts and have engaged in substantial hands-on practice, completing at least 100 to 500 coding exercises on the above websites.

I would also recommend you learn and practice Data Structure & Algorithms (if you have time) before going further.

I took this course Data Structures and Algorithms: Deep Dive Using Java but you can select any other (This is not promotional).

3. Learning Blockchain Fundamentals

Having mastered the fundamentals of programming, the next step is to delve into the fundamentals of blockchain technology and gain a comprehensive understanding of its core concepts.

For that, I would recommend downloading this free guide Certified Blockchain Business Foundations (CBBF).

In addition to this guide, you can also look for other courses on Coursera, YouTube or any other platform.

4. Learning JavaScript & Solidity Programming

Prior to embarking on a blockchain development course, it is advisable to gain proficiency in JavaScript and Solidity. The majority of blockchain development tools utilize JavaScript, and the ability to write smart contracts requires a solid understanding of Solidity.

JavaScript Course: JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures

Solidity Course: Solidity: Beginner to Intermediate Smart Contracts (only Starting 5 Lessons)

5. Blockchain Development Courses

It is worth mentioning that up until this point, we have not covered front-end development technologies. This is in line with the principle of need-based learning, as we have not yet encountered a requirement for such knowledge in the context of blockchain development.

However, it should be noted that certain portions of the courses to be discussed may touch upon front-end technologies. These lessons, while informative, are not crucial for you to pursue as a blockchain developer and can be disregarded if desired.

Learn Blockchain, Solidity, and Full Stack Web3 Development with JavaScript — 32-Hour Course

Ethereum Development Bootcamp — Alchemy

6. Frontend Technologies — Full Stack Blockchain Development

At this stage, you will have acquired expertise in smart contract development and will be capable of deploying, testing, and verifying contracts using Hardhat. If you are solely interested in solidity development, you can proceed to the next section and focus on creating smart contracts for portfolio projects. However, if you wish to delve into front-end application development for your smart contracts, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with these technologies in the following sequence.

Note: It is important to engage in sufficient hands-on practice using React.js before developing projects utilizing Next.js.

Upon completion of these courses, you will have acquired the necessary skills to develop front-end applications for your smart contracts and assemble full-stack blockchain projects. It is now time to build your portfolio.

7. Build Your Portfolio

Having attained proficiency in various programming languages, tools, and frameworks, it is now time to put acquired knowledge into practice by developing portfolio DApps.

You can get the ideas from these platforms:

Conclusion

In conclusion, becoming a blockchain developer requires a solid understanding of programming fundamentals, followed by learning the basics of blockchain technology and the necessary languages and tools. This process involves developing strong programming skills through practice, deep diving into blockchain and then learning JavaScript and Solidity. Building a portfolio of full-stack blockchain projects is the final step in this journey and will help demonstrate your skills to potential employers. With dedication and effort, anyone can become a blockchain developer and make a positive impact in this growing field.

This comprehensive guide aims to provide assistance to developers of all skill levels and is intended to be beneficial for a wide range of developers. Despite its length, the information provided is intended to be easily understandable and actionable for all readers.

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Thank you

Ali Murtaza Memon