Whether you’re on the tech scene or not, you’re definitely aware that we all rely heavily on data to talk, transact, and generally operate. Blockchain technology ensures that all that data is securely stored in batches or blocks, making confidential documents and exchanges far more efficient. It, therefore, goes without saying that blockchain developers are about to be in greater demand than ever.
Applications of blockchain technology
Before we get into what qualifies someone for a blockchain developer career, let’s first look at some of the main applications of blockchain technology.
- Decentralisation: Blockchain technology is decentralised, meaning that a single entity does not control it. This decentralisation provides several lateral benefits, such as increased security, transparency, and immutability (meaning that unauthorised sources cannot alter it).
- Security: The technology uses cryptographic algorithms to secure transactions, making it difficult for hackers to tamper with the data. Thus, it is suitable for storing sensitive information, such as financial transactions and personal data.
- Transparency: Anyone can view all transactions on a public ledger. This transparency can increase trust and accountability in various industries.
- Smart contracts: Using blockchain technology, you can create self-executing contracts. These contracts have the terms written into the code, making it possible to automate processes, reduce the need for intermediaries, and reduce the risk of fraud.
- Supply chain management: The use of blockchain technology can extend to tracking the movement of goods through a supply chain, providing greater visibility and transparency. This can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall supply chain management.
- Cryptocurrency: Blockchain technology is the foundation of many cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. In addition to disrupting traditional financial systems, cryptocurrency also enables new forms of commerce.
As the points above show, this technology has many purposes and the potential to revolutionise how we live and work. So a career within this field will only grow in popularity. As per the job search platform, Hired, there has been a 517% increase in demand for blockchain developers over the last three years alone.
Becoming a blockchain developer
There’s no new answer here. Much like any other field, this, too, involves a combination of education and hands-on experience. Here are some things you can do to become a blockchain developer:
Learn the basics of blockchain technology
Start by learning the fundamentals of blockchain technology, including how it works, its key features, and different types of blockchain networks (e.g., public, private, consortium).
Learn a programming language
Blockchain development typically requires knowledge of at least one programming language. Solidity (for Ethereum), C++, and Go are the most popular programming languages for blockchain development.
Get hands-on experience
The best way to become a blockchain developer is to gain experience working on real projects. You can do this by participating in hackathons, working on open-source projects, or building your own blockchain application.
Learn about smart contracts
Smart contracts are an integral part of blockchain technology and are used to automate processes and enforce rules on the blockchain. It’s essential to understand how they work and how to develop them.
Join a blockchain community
Joining a community of blockchain developers can be a great way to learn about new developments in the field, network with other developers, and find job opportunities.
Get certified
Blockchain certifications can demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and help you stand out in the job market.
Blockchain technology and the job market are rapidly evolving, so staying on top of the latest developments and trends is crucial.
Which academic courses can train a potential blockchain developer?
You would raise this question when considering a particular career. Here are some specialisations that can give you a strong foothold in blockchain technology.
- Computer Science: A computer science degree provides a strong foundation in programming, algorithms, and data structures, which are essential for blockchain development.
- Cryptography: Blockchain technology relies heavily on cryptography, so understanding the underlying concepts is important.
- Software Engineering of Distributed Systems: Blockchain technology is a distributed system. Understanding the principles of distributed systems and how they work can give you an edge over your competitors.
- Business & Economics: Understanding economic theory and game theory (a strategic analysis of outcomes) can be beneficial, as many blockchain systems have financial incentives to encourage users to participate. Naturally, grasping the premise of various business models will also give you a good standing in this area.
- Mathematics: Understanding mathematical concepts such as number theory, discrete mathematics, and probability theory can enhance your understanding of the underlying concepts of blockchain and cryptography.
Ultimately, it’s about how you hone your skills using resources from these programmes that will decide what kind of a career you will enjoy as a blockchain developer.
It’s also worth noting that blockchain technology is rapidly evolving, and new knowledge and skills are continuously emerging, so staying up-to-date with the latest developments and trends in the field is essential.
