Blockchain Developer

What is a blockchain?

A blockchain is a type of database used to store and organise information. Traditional databases arrange information into rows and columns that make up tables. This makes the information accessible for computers to recognise. With blockchains, however, data is digitally formatted and collected into clusters or blocks. Each block has a limited storage capacity. 

Once that capacity is reached, the block closes and links to the preceding block via cryptography, creating a chain. Cryptography creates an unchangeable timestamp when one block links to another. This permanent record verifies the accuracy of sensitive information like transactions. Traditional databases, on the other hand, are typically controlled by a central authority. Sensitive data may be managed and maintained by an organisation or administrator.

What is blockchain development?

Blockchain development involves building, maintaining, and designing blockchain applications and systems. Overall, it seeks to use the unique features of blockchain technology to solve problems and create opportunities. 

An example of innovative blockchain development is the smart contract. Smart contracts are documented agreements between two parties, just like regular contracts. Unlike ordinary contracts, however, smart contracts are also programs stored on a blockchain. These programs are triggered to run only when both parties meet the agreed-upon terms and conditions. This automated compliance ensures the correct execution of a contract in real-time.

Comparing smart contracts to parking metres is a great way to conceptualise their utility. You insert the correct payment and receive the parking validation corresponding to that payment. There is no need for third-party involvement, like a cashier, because the agreement is fixed.

What does a blockchain developer do?

A blockchain developer is a software developer who focuses on blockchain technology. Developers program, develop, and test software and systems. There are two primary types of blockchain developers:

1. Core blockchain developer: Core blockchain developers develop and maintain the architecture of blockchain systems. They design protocols, develop security patterns, and supervise the network. 

2. Blockchain software developer: Blockchain software developers build applications onto existing blockchain platforms. They handle front-end and back-end development, design, and maintenance.

What are the benefits of becoming a blockchain developer?

Demand for blockchain developers is high because they work with disruptive and exciting technology. As a result, job opportunities in this field are abundant. The Times of India says blockchain is one of the fastest-growing skill sets in India, and the number of blockchain developer jobs is increasing by 2,000 to 6,000 percent .The global blockchain technology market size, valued at USD 4.8 billion in 2021, is expected to reach $69 billion by 2030

Gaining skills surrounding a rapidly growing technology can make you a more competitive job candidate. Additionally, many blockchain developers' salaries are high paying. SalaryExpert reports an average base salary of  ₹24,60,801 per year for blockchain developers in India. They can earn an average bonus of around ₹1,14,887. The base salary range goes from ₹17,53,512 for an entry-level developer to ₹31,00,413 for a senior-level blockchain developer with eight or more years of experience

How to become a blockchain developer

If you are new to the blockchain industry, you will likely start by learning how to code. Many blockchain developers begin their careers with computer science or information technology degrees. Once you’ve gained a foundational knowledge of software development and computer programming, you'll focus on specialising in blockchains. The following section explores three action items for aspiring developers and those transitioning into blockchain development from a related role.

1. Understand the fundamentals of blockchain.

First, you will need to gain a fundamental understanding of blockchain technology. Building foundational knowledge will prepare you for more advanced subjects and specialisations. It’s similar to the way you need to know basic cooking principles before attempting a complicated dish. You can get started with an entry-level course like Introduction to Blockchain Technologies.

Then, build your skill set (and enhance your CV) through courses, certifications, or a computer science degree. There are many paths to becoming a blockchain developer, so take your time and find the one that suits you. 

2. Learn essential skills.

The list below covers some core concepts for blockchain developers. 

• Programming: As mentioned above, coding will be the framework of your blockchain development expertise. Beginning with courses like Duke University’s Programming Fundamentals, beginners can learn the fundamentals of coding. 

• Programming languages: Expand your skill set by learning a few of the most common programming languages blockchain developers use. Python is one of the most popular languages in blockchain development due to its versatility. Google's Crash Course on Python is a highly regarded introduction to it.

• Cryptography: Cryptography is an integral component of blockchain technology. It protects sensitive information by ensuring the contents of a message can only be seen by the intended recipient. Those interested in learning more about cryptography or becoming certified in cryptography might consider Cryptography 1 from Stanford University. 

• Smart contracts: As mentioned above, a smart contract is a program stored on the blockchain. Automated compliance enables two parties to execute agreements without an intermediary. You may want to become certified in innovative contract development to work with smart contracts. The second course in the Blockchain Specialisation series focuses on smart contract expertise.

• Data structures: For blockchain developers to successfully build and implement networks, they must be able to work with various data structures, like Merkle trees. Learn more about common data structures and how to implement them with the Data Structures Specialisation offered by the University of California San Diego.

• Blockchain architectures: Understanding each type of blockchain architecture helps identify an area of career focus. There are four types of blockchain architectures: public, private, consortium, and hybrid.

Blockchain Developer Job Description Template

Clearly mention your requirements along with the tasks that the prospective candidate will do after joining your organization. Be crisp and clear with your objectives so that the candidate knows exactly what to expect from this job opportunity.

To be a successful blockchain developer, you will need to have strong technical skills and experience in programming languages such as Solidity, Java, C++ or Python. You should also be familiar with web development technologies such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Furthermore, it is important that you have good problem-solving skills and are able to think creatively.

Blockchain platforms are constantly evolving, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest changes. They should be familiar with popular blockchain and smart contracts and understand how to develop on them.

To further gauge applicants' knowledge once they've applied, ask them more in-depth Blockchain development interview questions tailored to their experience level.

Blockchain Developer Job Responsibilities

This is probably the most important section of any job description. Therefore, you should be super clear about the responsibilities associated with the job for which you are looking for a suitable candidate. In a pointed manner, list down all the major responsibilities that you want the candidate to fulfill if they join your organization.

• Reviewing smart contracts for security and functionality
• Supervising web services that use blockchain technology
• Integrating Solidity code across platforms
• Managing the full lifecycle of blockchain development
• Ensuring blockchain integration with existing applications
• Building smart contracts and ensuring that all timelines and expectations are met
• Translate requirements into complicated but clean and efficient code
• Designing, developing, and testing blockchain systems.

Blockchain Developer Job Requirements

This is an optional section where you can list down any additional skills/requirements that you expect from the candidate.

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field
• Experience working with smart contracts and blockchain technology
• Strong technical skills and experience in software development
• Be able to work with distributed ledgers and understand cryptography
• Familiar with different ways to deploy smart contracts, such as Remix, Truffle suite, and Hardhat
• Experienced in staking implementing and test-driven development (TDD)
• Knowledge of libraries, data structures, blockchain architecture, web development, and smart contracts
• Ensure the security of the blockchain network and providing support to users
• Commitment to and passion for blockchain technology Industry is a plus
• Client and project management skills
• The ability to meet deadlines
• The ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams