Today, the world is witnessing the start of a revolution in the way we use the internet. While the traditional way of web 2.0 is what we know, web 3.0, based on blockchain, is growing at a staggering rate of 56.3% CAGR. With such a high growth rate, the demand for web 3.0 developers is also on the rise, many of who have been monopolized with decentralized initiatives. However, the one thing that the majority of these developers have in common is an understanding of the Ethereum blockchain and how to develop apps around it using smart contracts.
Solidity is a programming language used for deriving smart contracts primarily on the Ethereum blockchain for web 3.0 applications. It can also be used for other blockchains; however, it is mainly used for Ethereum. While Solidity developers are still less than demand, jobs for Solidity developers are increasing. The majority of these jobs are high paying as well. So if you want to get on that bandwagon, here’s how!
What is a Solidity Developer, and what do they do?
A Solidity developer is a software developer that works on the language to derive the relations for the smart contract and then implements them on virtual machines that work on the Ethereum blockchain.
Today, Solidity is developers' prime programming language for smart contracts. Since it is an object-oriented language, it is simpler and easier to understand. This is why it is used for the following applications in the web 3.0 setting:
Decentralized Financial Apps
Digital Identity Verification and Validation
Identity Theft and Data Monopoly
Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs)
Legal Smart Contracts
Tokenization (Most Common Use)
NFT Marketplaces and Gamification
With such a varied use case scenario available, a Solidity developer usually has their hands full with the development and maintenance of the application. However, they are expected to perform their duties with due diligence even in those circumstances. In an office setting, they are needed to complete the following tasks:
Generating a requirement document by understanding the client needs for the blockchain solutions architect.
Development, implementation, and maintenance of smart contracts for the project.
Addition and up-gradation of functionalities to improve the app's performance, stability, and efficiency.
Ensuring the integration of blockchain and Solidity code across client platforms.
Assessment and improvement of all technical solutions related to blockchain.
Cross-functional collaboration with critical stakeholders for brainstorming new ideas.
While the web 3.0 adoption and utilization is still nascent, it is expected to grow to a valuation of $23.3B by 2028 with a CAGR of 41.6%. So, while Solidity developers might still be “inexperienced”, they can still enjoy the perks and salaries of an experienced developer. The starting salary of a Solidity developer hovers around the $110k mark while they earn an average salary of $130k to $290k. For someone who is working remotely and handles multiple projects, they can earn up to $750k.
What is needed to become a Solidity Developer?
In today’s time, skills and tools are the higher calling for developers than experience. This is because experience can be gained if the developer possesses the right set of tools. To become an efficient and successful Solidity developer in 2022, the following are the requirements.
What are the Solidity developer skills you need?
These are the skills that a Solidity developer should possess before accepting a job as a Solidity developer.
The developer should possess the basic functional knowledge of the Ethereum Blockchain
They should also be well versed in the technological concepts of blockchain
Experience and exposure to object-oriented programming languages is a big plus
Exposure to architecture or design of blockchain projects
Experience with IDEs and Command Line interfaces
Adherence to Distributed Ledger Technology standards and web 3.0 practices
Client handling and resource gathering skills
Adaptability, flexibility, and agile approach to development
Project and team management skills
5 Steps to become a Solidity Developer
It might seem challenging to become a solidity developer. But if you follow these steps, you might make it just right:
Step 1: Learn the web 3.0 basics
The fundamentals of Web 3.0 involve being familiar with coding languages such as C++, Python, or JavaScript. Additionally, you will need to understand the concept of working with decentralized applications. If you want a full-stack Solidity developer job, you might also want to hone your front-end and back-end development skills.
Step 2: Learn about EVMs
After understanding the basics, you might want to get your hands on understanding how to work with EVMs. An EVM is a computational engine that functions like a decentralized computer on the Ethereum blockchain. It houses from several thousand to several million executable projects depending on the size of the stack.
Step 3: Be aware of the development tools
To become a full stack Solidity developer, you might need to learn all tools from back-end development to front-end development to wallets to security and validation. While this may seem cumbersome, your entire offerings might seem a little more lucrative so that you can earn more. However, you can also opt to become a master in a specific field like back end only or front end only and still earn pretty decently.
Step 4: Gain experience in Solidity development
The most crucial step in becoming a Solidity developer is to learn and iterate on programs. This involves understanding and utilizing basic skills learned during your projects. Building and delivering are one of the biggest tasks of a Solidity developer, and doing it effectively without any hassles are skills that many take time to learn. Hence, always be on the lookout to learn and iterate to deliver projects effectively.
Step 5: Get certifications
Web 3.0 is still in its beginning phase of the rollout but has gained sizeable traction in the past few years. So, while experience in these might still be hard to come by, you can double down on the future by getting certified in it. Certifications and courses can help lay the foundation for a field that is still not very organized.
What are the Tools to Become a Solidity Developer?
These are the tools that a Solidity developer needs to deliver all projects without any hassles effectively.
Ethereum Virtual Machines Stack
Smart Contract Enablers
Vyper (for Python Lovers)- Based on Python, it is an alternative for Solidity that can be used by programmers with more experience working with Python.
Chainlink - Used to allow smart contracts to become hybrid contracts.
Openzeppelin- Library of smart contracts ready to be used and deployed.
Development Frameworks
Hardhat- JavaScript and Solidity-based framework that is used to develop smart contracts.
Brownie- Based on Python, it is a super easy framework that draws from Solidity to develop smart contracts.
DappTools- Command line-based tool that helps perform functions based on standard CLI tools like bash or zsh.
Wallets
MetaMask- Most popular wallet that is used for testnet funds.
Ledger / Trezor - A more secure wallet that makes it harder to use but also harder to attack.
Block Explorer
Etherscan / Etherchain- Used to see all the transactions on your blockchain.
Layer1 Connection
Alchemy- Used to connect to the other ETH blockchain that will receive the tokens from your blockchain.
Infura- One of the best Layer1 tools that have boomed since 2020.
Front End Development
Web3js/Ethersjs- Used to design the front end of the blockchain program, cemented itself as one of the most reliable ones out there.
Moralis- A front-end framework explicitly designed for use in a Web 3.0 environment.
Slither
Used for security and static analysis that detects any basic faults engineers make during development.
Tenderly
Used for monitoring the production code and keeping it safe by raising potential risks to the developer.
Are there any certifications to become a Solidity Developer?
While certifications are not mandatory, they indeed grant a layer of approval in the eyes of potential employers looking to hire Solidity developers.
Blockchain Developer Nanodegree from Udacity
Certified Ethereum Developer from Blockchain Council
Certified Solidity Developer from Blockchain Council
Blockchain Specialization from the University at Buffalo & SUNY
Certified Smart Contract Developer from Blockchain Council
Ethereum Blockchain Developer Bootcamp With Solidity
Blockchain Technologies: Business Innovation and Application from MIT Sloan School of Management
Online Degree in Blockchain from Blockchain Council
Blockchain Revolution from INSEAD
Professional Certificate in Blockchain Fundamentals from Berkeley
Blockchain for Business from Blockchain Council
Master Ethereum & Solidity Programming From Scratch in 2022 from Udemy
The Complete Solidity Course – Blockchain – Zero to Expert from Udemy
Blockchain Certification Training Course from Edureka
Solidity, Blockchain, and Smart Contract Course from freeCodeCamp
Ethereum Blockchain Developer Bootcamp With Solidity from Udemy
Blockchain: Learning Solidity from LinkedIn
Is it worth it to become a Solidity Developer?
Web 3.0 is undoubtedly the future of the internet and promises a more secure and customized experience for its users. While the applications are limitless, a well-experienced Solidity developer might be the missing piece many businesses need to fill to transition into the blockchain world.
Hence, if you want to jump on the Web 3.0 bandwagon, now is the time to become a Solidity developer before this career gets saturated!
FAQs
What is a Solidity Developer?
A Solidity Developer is a person who uses the programming language Solidity to develop smart contracts for Ethereum-based virtual machines and applications.
What is the salary of a Solidity Developer?
Depending on the location and experience, the salary of a Solidity Developer varies a lot. The average salary in America is $130k to $290k. If the developer works remotely and packs a few years of experience, they can earn up to $750k annually.
What are the tools to become a Solidity developer?
There are many:
Remix
Python or JavaScript
DLT
Ethereum Blockchain
Do I need a certification to become a Solidity developer?
No. You don’t need a certification to become a Solidity developer. All you need are a few tools and the basic knowledge of working with Ethereum Blockchain.
With CodeMonk, you can pick up worldwide remote jobs as a Solidity developer. Join our community to see all our available gigs and jobs for Solidity and other skills today.
Top comments (0)