Blockchain has become a key technological driver of Web3 as several decentralized platforms are now the new face of internet services. Even though it is a fairly new field, the impact of blockchain tech is already felt in various sectors. At present, sectors such as finance, gaming, and supply chains are already enjoying the benefits of decentralization.
Every day, firms are using blockchain products to improve their business ecosystems. So it is not surprising that the demand for Web3 developers has skyrocketed in the past few years. As per Developer reports, the number of blockchain developers has increased significantly between 2020 and 2024. Given the increased adoption of blockchain services, the need for new developers in the Web3 space has become a trending topic. So what are the steps to becoming a Web3 developer?
What is Web3 Development?
Web3 development involves using blockchain technology to build decentralized applications (dApps). Web3 building spans areas such as NFTs (non-fungible tokens), decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, gaming, and supply chains.
A developer may also work on building new decentralized platforms and integrating existing protocols with blockchain networks. To deploy smart contracts, a Web3 developer needs a strong foundation in cryptography, blockchain, and distributed systems.
Requirements to Become a Web3 Developer?
To become a Web3 developer, one has to master a set of important skills, some of which include:
Programming language and Web3 tools: One important demand in blockchain development is familiarity with a programming language and Web3 tools. Although there are several programming languages, Solidity is the most popular language in use today. Developers leverage Solidity to deploy smart contracts on the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). It also plays an important role in the blockchain and smart contract development space.
Apart from a good background in Web3 languages, a developer must also learn other programming languages. Good languages to start with are JavaScript, NodeJS, and HTML/CSS. In is worthy to note that a Web3 builder should be familiar with using Web3 tools such as Metamask, Remix, Truffle, and Ganache.
Understanding of Blockchain and decentralized protocols: Knowledge of blockchain technology is a necessary skill set for building a Web3 product. A developer must understand the blockchain environment, including its use cases, key concepts, pros and cons, and various networks. In addition, they should be familiar with decentralized protocols such as Swarm, Whisper, and IPFS.
Cryptography and smart contract development: A developer should be equipped with the knowledge of cryptography and its key concepts. This will help them understand how blockchain networks enforce security. Some of the key concepts include public and private keys, encryption, hash functions, and digital signatures. Another important requirement is understanding how smart contracts are deployed in a blockchain.
Blockchain governance and consensus models: There are several consensus mechanisms, such as Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, Delegated Proof of Stake, Proof of Importance, Proof of Capacity, and many more. Learning these concepts gives insight into the function of a governance model.
Fundamentals of Web3 Development
The road to becoming a Web3 developer starts with knowing the key tools and fundamentals of the blockchain network. Learning these foundational concepts and tools that underpin blockchain technology forms a bedrock for understanding Web3 development. Here are some important terms to note:
- Blockchain: A blockchain is a shared database that is linked in a peer-to-peer network. It allows multiple parties to record, track, and validate transactions without using a centralized middleman. Blockchain technology forms the bedrock of Web3 by offering security, decentralization, and transparency.
- Cryptocurrency: Crypocurrencies are native tokens given to entities who secure and participate in a blockchain network. In the mainstream financial sector, they serve as digital currencies used as a “store of value” or peer-to-peer payment system. Each blockchain has its own digital currency, the most popular being Bitcoin and Ether.
- Decentralized applications (dApps): dApps are programs or applications that operate on a blockchain network. Instead of a centralized server, dApps use peer-to-peer networks and smart contracts to ensure trustlessness. dApps offer improved security, transparency, and user control compared to traditional apps.
- Smart contracts: Smart contracts are digital contracts stored in a blockchain that automatically execute when preset agreements are triggered. These contracts are immutable and cannot be modified or deleted once recorded on a blockchain.
Web3 Developer Roadmap
After learning about the basic fundamentals, a developer should follow these steps to begin their Web3 building journey:
Choose a Preferred Blockchain and Language
Solidity was initially the only programming language available for smart contract deployment on the Ethereum network. But other alternative languages have flooded the market in the last few years. Developers can choose from several options currently available based on their needs and preferences. But it is important to remember that each language and blockchain comes with its upsides and downsides.
For instance, Solana offers more security but relies on the Solana Foundation for governance. On the other hand, Polkadot offers more decentralization. However, it is built upon the Ethereum ecosystem.
As stated earlier, choosing a language or network is down to a builder’s preference. Rust language works on the Solana, Cosmos, Near, Elrond, and NEAR protocols. Solidity can be used to develop projects on Polygon, Fantom, Binance Smart Chain, Avalanche, and Cosmos. Devs can also build dApps on the Bitcoin network using Stack’s open-source Clarity language.
Check out Web3 Tools
After picking a language, the next step is to check out the various development tools on Web3. However, the specific tool to work with depends on the preferred blockchain network. For blockchain enthusiasts, these are the common Web3 tools to know:
Smart contracts and IDEs: Writing smart contracts is an important part of blockchain development. Before deploying a smart contract on a blockchain, a developer needs an IDE to code, test, and debug it. Many IDE options are available on the market. For example, Solidity contracts for Ethereum uses Truffle, Hardhat, or Remix. Cosmos uses Ignite, while Starks employs Clarinet or the Hiro Platform.
JavaScript and libraries: Most blockchains offer free JavaScript libraries that builders can use to perform basic functions. These libraries come with pre-written code functions and modules to help speed up productivity. Stacks offers the Stacks.js. and Ethereum has Web3.js and Ethers.js. libraries. Developers can use Solana-Web3.js. for the Solana blockchain.
Storage: A storage system dictates the level of control and access a user has over their data. Popular decentralized storage options include InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), Gaia, and Arweave. IPFS is a decentralized protocol designed to make blockchain services secure and fast. Arweave offers immutable and easily accessible data storage. Meanwhile, Gaia emphasizes user control and privacy. However, many Web3 projects still use Web2 storage solutions like AWS or Google Cloud due to cost.
Blockchain APIs: Blockchain APIs are like bridges that allow developers to interact with the blockchain network. For Web3 developers, APIs can help execute queries faster. Several 3rd-party providers offer hosted APIs to help builders focus on development without infrastructure concerns.
Testnets and Devnets: A testnet is a simulation of a blockchain where developers test products and applications before launching on the mainnet. Like testnets, a devnet is also a replica used for testing before deploying on the main blockchain. However, devnets are private development networks, while testnets are public. Developers often use these environments to debug and test dApps, smart contracts, and codes without using real funds or risking the mainnet.
Auxiliary Tools: Apart from notable tools, other technologies exist to help advance the skills of a web developer. Some of these instruments include wallets, block explorers, oracles, and bridges. Wallets are unique identifiers used to store metadata on a blockchain. As the name implies, block explorers act as search engines that allow users to browse, view data, and search for information on a network. Oracles are services that enable blockchains access and incorporate external data and information.
Benefits of Being a Web3 Developer
Here are some of the perks that come with being a Web3 builder:
- High Demand: Web3 professionals are in high demand because the field is still new and is not overcrowded.
- Lucrative Pay: Blockchain builders are some of the highest-paid individuals in the Web3 space. Per data, the average salary of a Web3 dev ranges from $95k to $200k, depending on skill level.
- Innovation and Impact: Web3 developers constantly producing and contributing to important block soluions to help drive growth in the sector.
- Global Community: Devs are part of a diverse, international community of developers, entrepreneurs, and crypto enthusiasts, offering a rich environment for learning and collaboration.
