Who is a Blockchain Developer? - A Complete Explanation

We are currently in the "Blockchain era," where a Blockchain Developer designs Blockchain protocols & creates smart contracts, and every industry has embraced this technology. It will certainly pave the way for the upcoming wave of technological advancements. The Blockchain technology market is estimated to accumulate £16.25 billion in 2022.

Blockchain is indeed a revolutionary technology, as it has created numerous job opportunities for developers. Blockchain is taking over the world in a massive way, spanning finance, entertainment, real estate, and several other sectors.  

However, even after getting a lot of opportunities, people tend to get confused while following the right directions to become a Blockchain Developer. So, if you are wondering how to become a blockchain developer, this blog is for you. In this blog, we will cover Blockchain Developer's types, skills, & roles.

Table of Contents

1) What is Blockchain?

2) What is Blockchain Development?

3) Who is a Blockchain Developer?

4) Types of Blockchain Developers

5) How Does One Become a Blockchain Developer?

6) What are the Benefits of Becoming a Blockchain Developer?

7) Roles and Responsibilities of a Blockchain Developer

8) Skills Required to Become a Blockchain Developer

9) Companies Hiring Blockchain Developers

10) Blockchain Developer Salary Based on Location

11) Conclusion

What is Blockchain? 

Blockchain is incredibly popular nowadays. It is a revolutionary technology that has changed how transactions work. It intends to provide a safe and secure mode of transactions by using digital cryptocurrencies that no one can manipulate. It is a set of blocks that records transactions, like who made the transactions and to whom. The amount of trade in the digital ledger distributed across the entire network makes it more secure and reliable. 

It is impossible to change, hack or cheat the system as it is verified and validated by every node in the blockchain network. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and many more use this Blockchain network.  

Blockchain technology is decentralised as it is not subject to the control of any single entity or group. Blockchain technology enables businesses to conduct secure transactions without involving third parties. 
 

What is Blockchain Development? 

The process of creating and maintaining a blockchain platform is known as Blockchain Development. This includes the Developer who develops the infrastructure required for maintaining blockchain-based applications and services such as digital currencies, smart contracts, and distributed apps. It also helps in developing tools and technologies needed to support the platform.   

A software or platform that utilises a blockchain's capabilities and advantages, such as security, transparency, and dependability, is known as a Blockchain application. Blockchain developments require a vast understanding of the existing technology. Additionally, a persistent dedication to security and scalability is needed. Building a Blockchain platform requires efforts with optimum resources and knowledge. 

Who is a Blockchain Developer? 

Blockchain Developer is responsible for developing and enhancing Blockchain-related applications famously known as dApps(Decentralised Applications), smart contracts, architecture and protocols. They are in charge of creating 3D designs, 3D models, and 3D content for things like video games.  

A Blockchain Developer creates the security and architecture of the proposed Blockchain system. Essentially, the Core Blockchain Developer lays the groundwork for others to build on. One has to carry out the following duties:  

1) Create the Blockchain protocol designs  

2) Create a network architecture that helps to centralise or decentralise your data  

3) Backend programming using Blockchain protocols  

4) Creating front-end designs as per customer demands  

5) Creating and maintaining smart contracts

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Types of Blockchain Developers
 

Essentially, there are two types of Blockchain Developers. They are the sub-divisions of Blockchain development. Let's take a look at their roles briefly: 

1) Core Blockchain Developer: System architecture and cybersecurity are the responsibilities of core Blockchain developers. They create the protocols, keep up-to-date Blockchains, and manage the entire Blockchain network. 

2) Software Blockchain Developer: For the Blockchain network, Blockchain Software Developers create new applications like NFTs. They create web applications, smart contracts, and decentralised applications (dapps), leveraging the essential web foundation and architecture.

How does one become a blockchain developer?

Before getting into the sector, one must learn about the educational qualifications needed to become a Blockchain Developer.

To begin your career in the Blockchain industry, the first step is to get a Computer Science or Information Technology (IT) degree. Further, to become a professional in the field, you will be required to:

Familiarise yourself with fundamentals: The key is to start with the basics of Blockchain. Apart from the degree, taking up an entry-level course on Blockchain development is a win-win. The courses will help you understand the up-to-date skills and knowledge required in the industry. Therefore, it will add to your university degree and get you one step closer to becoming a professional.

Learn important skills: You should have adequate skills to excel and flourish as a developer. You should be versed in the following: 

1) Programming and programming languages such as Python 

2) Smart contacts – a program stored in Blockchain allows two parties to execute discussions without any intermediary. 

3) Cryptography is integral to Blockchain technology as it protects sensitive data, ensuring messages' accurate delivery. 

4) Blockchain architecture – learning Blockchain architectures help recognise an area of career focus. 

5) Data structures – you must be familiar with organising, processing, storing and restoring data to work with a Blockchain.

Be updated with the Blockchain industry: It is essential to be aware of the latest market trends, such as educational qualifications, skills, job openings, salaries across regions and companies, and demand in the industries, etc., so that you can grasp the current world requirements. 

Therefore, you can stay up to date on market trends and in-demand jobs by reading blogs or watching YouTube videos about the field of your expertise. You can also follow business influencers and experts in the area of your interest

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What are the benefits of becoming a Blockchain Developer?

The advanced technological developments have led an all-time high demand for Blockchain experts to who have the right skills, educational qualifications and know-how of the continuously altering trends. 

Further, skills surrounding a rapidly growing technology has helped the market become more competitive for job candidate. The overall employment rate of software developers is expected to increase by 25 percent from 2021 to 2031. It is much faster than the average for all jobs.

Also, companies are paying a high salary to professional and experienced developers. So, it is the right time for you to opt for a Blockchain Developer job position.

Refer to these Blockchain Interview Questions and Answers to crack your next job interview!

Roles and Responsibilities of a Blockchain Developer 

a) Collaborating with Managers to determine Blockchain technology needs and envisaged functionalities. 

b) Creating application features and interfaces by using programming languages and writing multithreaded code. 

c) Applying the latest cryptology techniques to protect digital transaction data against cyberattacks and information hacks. 

d) Maintaining client and server-side applications. 

e) Optimising and securing Blockchain applications by integrating new tools and technologies. 

f) Educating sales personnel on blockchain features that allow secure digital payments. 

g) Documenting Blockchain development processes and complying with best practices in data protection. 

h) Keeping up with current Blockchain technologies and cryptography methods.
 

Skills required to become a Blockchain Developer 
 

If you possess exceptional skills, you will get one step closer to getting hired by top-tier MNCs. Following are some technical and soft skills you need to have to become a professional Blockchain Developer:

Technical skills 

1) Knowledge of cryptography- Blockchain includes data structures and advanced cryptography. Therefore, one should have a good understanding of cryptographic methods. 

2) Well-versed with programming languages- Some popular programming languages for blockchain development include C, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Golang, C#, and Java. A great blockchain professional must be an expert in at least one of these languages. 

3) Proficiency in data structures- You should have a vast knowledge of various data structures to build networks and implement them frequently.  

4) Comprehension of the Blockchain architecture- Knowing Blockchain architecture is a prerequisite for becoming a Blockchain Developer. You should be familiar with the concepts of consensus, ledgers, and smart contracts. 

Soft skills

1) Strong communication skills- One must have the ability to communicate effectively within the team to convey project requirements. 

2) Ability to seamlessly collaborate- Seamless collaboration helps smooth coordination with the team to ensure a better work environment. 

3) Problem-solving skills- Active listening, analysis and decision-making are essential to problem-solving. 

4) Time management- Prioritising tasks, thinking strategically, and multitasking will help to manage time efficiently. 

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Companies hiring Blockchain Developers

Big brands and MNCs are actively hiring Blockchain Developers. Let's see how much top companies offer to potential Blockchain Developers:
 

 
                                                                                            Source: Glassdoor

Blockchain Developer Salary Based on Location   

Increasing demand for Blockchain Engineers and Developers are making the salaries skyrocket globally. Comparing their pay to those of their peers in other programming fields, Blockchain professionals are paid the most. According to their job location let’s take a look at the average salaries of Blockchain Developers in the table below: 
 

Source: Hired  

Conclusion 

Eventually, Blockchain has spearheaded the growth of Blockchain technology, and hence, it has created a massive demand for professionals. If you were looking for the best time to learn about becoming a Blockchain Developer, the time is now to equip yourself with all the relevant skills and certifications and give a kickstart to your career in Blockchain.  

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