How to Become a Smart Contract Developer – Ultimate Guide

Blockchain technology has been named one of the most innovative and has a huge potential for development. Many experts are convinced that the technology will only begin to be fully implemented in the next decade, meaning it makes sense to learn new skills or retrain as a blockchain programmer. Large companies are already interested in using the technology, and the industry is only gaining momentum and needs specialists.

Blockchain technology did not appear yesterday, but the process of its development today is very intensive. The first widespread use of distributed ledger technology is associated with the release of the Bitcoin cryptocurrency.

However, the technology had to be modernized for the wider use of the blockchain and the conduct of complex financial transactions.

In the blockchain, the term “smart contract” is a computer code that automatically executes all or parts of an agreement. Such code specifies the conditions under which the program allows or initiates certain actions. Therefore, the input parameters and stages of execution of the smart contract must be specific and objective; that is, the program needs conditions like: “if X happens, then do Y.”

Today, smart contracts are used in the simplest and most understandable operations, for example, in issuing and subsequent automatic loan repayment. All this is done with the help of deploying smart contracts and the work of a team of programmers. The technology reduces the risk of fraud, eliminates transaction costs, and significantly reduces time costs.

How to Become a Smart Contract Developer?

There are many considerations here and no universal answer. Most dApps currently exist on Ethereum and tend to have the most liquidity. In addition, Ethereum’s significant history provides it with a reputation as a trustworthy platform. Therefore, Ethereum is a good choice if speed and low transaction costs are not your primary concerns and you have ecosystem needs (for example, the dApp you want to interact with only runs on Ethereum).

You can also deploy the system at a scalable layer (L2) such as Arbitrum, which has full EVM compatibility, but “rolls” transactions into compressed packages, so transaction throughput is higher, which means lower costs and faster speed. As for the other EVM networks, each offers some form of scalability improvement over Ethereum. Similar attributes are owned by Binance smart chain, so this can also be a review example.

Creating smart contracts is not the easiest task, but we cannot calculate the demand in the blockchain world – this is a must-have skill for working in this area.

Technical Skills of Blockchain Developer

Compilable, relatively low-level back-end languages ​​such as C/C++ are a good starting point for programming in a Solidity-based development framework. However, those with web development experience or experience with languages ​​such as JavaScript and Python will have to adjust to the more low-level thinking of Solidity developers, where you can find yourself directly operating on the bits of a variable.

However, a full-blown blockchain programmer must have both skills, as it is through the web3.js and ethers libraries that handle most interactions with Solidity smart contracts. A good developer can work with the Solidity contract backend developer and the JS/Python front end, but a great developer can work with the entire stack. The OpenZeppelin contract library is also a great source to use as it saves developers from having to write smart contracts, such as the tokenization contract. Building smart contracts in Solidity are not just for money transfers. They can be used for many different things. Smart contracts can be used for other transactions, from secure voting in elections to lease agreements.

As smart contracts become more complex, they become more difficult to secure. Therefore, you must know all possible ways to execute a smart contract and ensure it does what it is expected to do.

Features of Smart Contract Development

The difference between a smart contract and traditional contracts lies in an increased degree of certainty since the programming languages ​​in which the terms of smart contracts are stated do not involve two-reading. On the one hand, this is good because everything is clear and understandable. But, on the other hand, there are complex contracts in which there is a variability of conditions, these conditions can be grouped in a different order, and each order will entail other actions.

In addition, the input parameters may not be quantitative or conditional but qualitative, and such parameters must be obtained from outside – from a resource that all parties to the contract would trust. So the development of such complex contracts is the main barrier to their large-scale distribution in the market.

Therefore, the task of the analyst, auditor, and smart contract developers is to eliminate errors in it. Otherwise, the execution of the contract threatens its parties with major losses.

Learn on Your Own From Scratch

This is possible and feasible, although it will require much time and effort.

The Internet is a huge storehouse of information about everything you can think of. However, you cannot choose any random learning resource to become a developer and start developing smart contracts. Instead, look for training courses with a detailed explanation of all topics and concepts and a practical understanding of its use.

You need courses that will teach you how to work and prepare you to use it in real applications. In addition, you need to look for platforms that offer validating credentials for your experience through certification as a sign of proficiency in at least a high-level programming language. Once you have mastered using smart contracts for development, certification can improve your chances of becoming a programmer.

Difficulties may be scattered along the way to your goal. However, dedication and a career in blockchain development can help you get ahead on even the most difficult paths.

Demand and Сareer Prospects

Blockchain is a revolutionary technology that fundamentally solves security and trust problems. All data and operations are transparent and cannot be changed or stolen. Furthermore, transactions can be carried out without intermediaries. This significantly reduces business costs, so large companies increasingly invest in this area.

Companies value their security, which is direct evidence of the high salaries of engineers and programmers who work with smart contracts. On average, salaries are $150,000 annually, but the amount may vary depending on the region and the demand for these services. For example, the highest paid region is North America, while Africa and Asia are the least. These two regions can be a good option for young professionals to start a career since the work is mostly remote.

As a rule, first of all, seniors in the field of blockchain development are invited to work, but there is always a place for middle specialists. The main conditions for obtaining the desired position are knowledge of the main programming languages, such as Solidity, and experience with blockchain and smart contracts.

First Step for Smart Contract Developer

A wide knowledge base will help you become a smart contract developer. If you are interested in joining this field, this is your opportunity to change the world for the better by becoming a professional in the next wave of technical innovation.

There are many paths to becoming smart contract developers. We have described several options, but choosing what suits you best is up to you. The most important thing is to start, create something of interest, start researching, deploy smart contracts yourself, learn a smart contract programming language and ask questions – the rest will follow.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced web developer, there’s a path to success for you and plenty of people willing to help on your way to becoming a certified smart contract developer. Tips for beginners

• Learn the basic principles of programming. This will make the picture systemic and help you learn programming languages faster.
• Look for internships at startups so you can jump straight into the practice.
• Get a quality base and improve your skills. This can be done in online courses. This way, you will gain structured knowledge and practical experience and learn about quality sources of information.

Smart Contract Developer Perspectives

Undoubtedly, blockchain is the future, which is increasingly moving into the present. Companies, Internet services, and many enterprises are looking at this technology. Every entrepreneur wants to provide maximum security to businesses and customers and minimize resource waste to ensure it. Critical to gain smart contract developer skills and be a competitive programmer.

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