Blockchain isn’t a hype anymore. Cryptocurrencies are limited, but slowly coming to the mainstream. Majority of enterprises that were experimenting with the technology are now in the application phase and a few are on the verge of recovering their investments.
While earlier the technology was a point of contention, now public and private organizations have equal support for the technology. Regulatory authorities around the world have given go-ahead to several blockchain-based projects. Overall, industry efforts are coming to fruition and blockchain industry is flourishing.
With the increasing adoption of blockchain technology around the world, demand for blockchain professionals is increasing too. Both seasoned software developers and fresh graduates have an opportunity to learn and excel in blockchain development and grab opportunities knocking at their door.
Roles in blockchain development
Essentially, you can go for the following four roles:
A. Blockchain developer
This is the most common role in blockchain development. Most Blockchain developers are software developers who have worked on building large scale web and desktop applications. Their role includes the following:
- Development of smart contracts
- Development of interactive front-end designs of Dapps
- Backend development pertaining to Blockchains
- Supervision of the entire network
B. Blockchain Engineer
Blockchain engineers work on customizing protocols and architecture of a blockchain network as per the needs of the organization. Their responsibility includes the design, architecture, and security of a blockchain system. Their roles include the following:
-Design of blockchain protocols
-Design of consensus protocols and security patterns for the network
-Design of the network architecture
-Supervision of the entire network
To thrive in both roles, you need an extensive set of technical and business skills. If you want to excel in blockchain development or start a career in blockchain development, equip yourself with the following skills.
Skills to learn for blockchain development
i. Data Structures: Decentralized applications (Dapps) require essential knowledge to understand inherent blockchain features and to build one. Software Developers are usually familiar with them. However, if you’re starting anew, pay attention to sophisticated but frequently used data structures such as Merkel Trees and Petricia Trees.
ii. Cryptography: The inner workings of blockchain are based on the use of cryptography principles. Public key encryption, immutability, and organization of a blockchain network are results of the applications of cryptography.
The security of distributed applications and distributed ledger technology is based on cryptography, so it is essential to understand.
iii. Blockchain Architecture: Blockchain features’ immutability, decentralization, and security can be attributed to cryptography and its underlying principles. However, to customize a blockchain network or build upon existing features, a comprehensive understanding of blockchain architecture is important.
Many enterprise applications and ledgers are built on different technology and platforms. Understanding blockchain architecture will help you understand the integration of different platforms better and ensure interoperability.
iv. Smart contracts development: Smart contracts are real industrial applications of blockchain technology. These are developed using platforms including Ethereum, Hyper Ledger, Ripple, Corda, etc. Building smart contracts also require an in-depth understanding of Solidity programming language.
v. Web development: Design and development of distributed blockchain applications (Dapps) require familiarity with front- and backend- development. To build overall good strength for building blockchain applications, web development skills are needed.
In addition to these technical skills, blockchain developers need to learn how blockchain aids business processes. Blockchain technology is unlike ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and requires developers to adopt the discretion of a businessman to see how technology can improve the efficiency of business processes and productivity.
Become a certified blockchain developer
The industry doesn’t yet have strong measures for judging the capabilities of a blockchain developer. In this scenario, it’s difficult for engineering leaders to gauge the skills of blockchain talent. If leaders find slightest of doubt, they are more prone to let go talent than give them benefit of doubt and hire them. With blockchain certifications, you can validate your skills and stand out from the crowd.
All in all, you will need a comprehensive set of skills and an industry validation to thrive as a blockchain talent in the industry.
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