What it Takes to Become a Blockchain Developer in 2022

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March 21, 2022 Career

Blockchain technology is no longer a niche concern, but a full-blown mainstream phenomenon, with applications and implications across every industry.

This uptick in interest has made the prospect of becoming a blockchain developer even more appealing, and there is plenty of competition to contend with if you intend to get into this field.

We asked our friends at Webisoft what do you need to succeed in the world of blockchain development, and who is best suited to this type of role?

Education & training

The majority of blockchain developer jobs are filled by people who have a solid grounding in software development and engineering, for the obvious reason that this tech is based on the fundamentals of programming which apply across the tech sphere.

Of course while having a degree-level qualification in software development is a good starting point, you’ll also need to undergo specific blockchain developer training in order to compete.

Current training courses can be completed comparatively quickly, and bring you into the loop on all things blockchain-related, from deploying smart contracts on existing networks to setting up your very own blockchain.

It’s worth noting that not all blockchain developer jobs are taken by software pros, as there is space for those with different backgrounds as well. However, you’ll definitely have a head start if you eat, sleep and breathe code.

Industry-specific knowledge

In terms of the topics, techniques, technologies and concepts that every good blockchain developer has to be abreast of, there are a few main examples to add to your watchlist.

Getting to grips with how blockchain architectures function, and what makes different blockchains distinct from one another in this regard, is vital.

It also helps to be aware of the role that decentralization plays here, as well as the cryptographical nature of the ethos that underpins the entire ecosystem.

Ultimately this is a technology that deals with data, so developers must furthermore be attuned to the best practices for structuring data and dealing with information in a database context. Some background in database management will be valuable, as a result.

Additional skills to nurture

While the highly specialized nature of certain blockchain developer abilities does give you a sense of where to focus your training efforts, you should also not neglect the other skills that will make you a more rounded prospect to employers in the long run.

Effective communication, for example, has long been a sought-after asset in software development more generally, because so often projects can grind to a halt if the different team members involved are not able to adequately express themselves, or actively listen to others.

Problem solving skills are also at the heart of what a blockchain developer needs to bring to the table. In a relatively new niche such as this, challenges and pitfalls to project progress are more common than elsewhere, and if you are not equipped to overcome them, then you won’t be as employable.

Further steps to take

The best thing about the blockchain becoming so successful is that there are almost endless resources which you can consume in your quest to become a developer.

From whitepapers on specific cryptocurrency projects to the aforementioned training courses and accreditations, whatever route you decide to take you will not be short on things to read, watch and absorb.

Likewise it helps if you immerse yourself in blockchain solutions yourself, and get to grips with cryptos and NFTs so that you have practical experience to back up your theoretical understanding.

So what does it take to become a blockchain developer in 2022? A lot of hard work, and plenty of persistence. But with the promise of industry-leading salaries, this is definitely a good investment to make in your future career.