Several businesses have started using blockchain technology as a valuable tool for their operations. It has found applications in finance, entertainment, real estate, and several other sectors. As this technology continues to grow, so will the demand for people who can build and operate it. These are the developers of the blockchain. So, if you’re wondering how to become a blockchain developer, here’s a quick guide.
Do you know?
According to the Blockchain Council, global demand for blockchain engineers has increased by 517 percent over the past couple of years.
Blockchain technology is poised to revolutionize the way the digital world processes data and conducts business. Created as a platform to support Bitcoin, Blockchain exhibits a level of versatility and security that has led many sectors of business and government to take notice and start using it for their purposes.
With this in mind, it makes sense that if you want a career that has great potential for growth using a dynamic new technology that is just starting, you should consider becoming a Blockchain developer.
Read on and learn everything you need to know about this exciting and intriguing profession…
Topics covered
What is blockchain development?
Blockchain development is the process of developing and maintaining a blockchain platform. This includes creating an infrastructure that allows for the creation and management of blockchain-based applications and services, such as digital currencies, smart contracts, and distributed applications. It also involves developing the tools and technologies needed to support the platform.
A blockchain application is simply a program or platform that uses the features and benefits of blockchain, such as security, transparency, and reliability. Blockchain development is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of the underlying technology. It also requires a strong commitment to security and scalability. Developing a blockchain platform is a serious task that requires significant resources and expertise.
What does a blockchain developer do?
A blockchain developer develops decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts based on blockchain technology and understands the architecture and protocols of the technology. They are responsible for developing 3D models, 3D designs, and 3D content, such as that used in games.
The wise but short answer to this is that a Blockchain developer develops Blockchains! Well, that was easy!
Now that we got that out of our system, let’s take a serious look at what a Blockchain developer does. To best answer this question, we must first clarify that there are two different types of Blockchain developers; there is Core Blockchain Developers and Blockchain Software Developers. Call them Blockchain Development Units.
The roles and responsibilities of a blockchain developer are:
- Understanding of blockchain technology: A blockchain developer should have a solid understanding of blockchain technology and its underlying concepts, such as distributed ledgers, consensus mechanisms, smart contracts, and cryptography.
- Developing blockchain applications: A blockchain developer should be proficient in programming languages such as Solidity, JavaScript, and Python, and have experience in developing blockchain applications and decentralized applications (DApps).
- Designing smart contracts: A blockchain developer should be able to design and develop smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement between buyer and seller being directly written into lines of code.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams: A blockchain developer should be able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including product managers, designers, and other developers, to ensure the successful development and deployment of blockchain solutions.
- Testing and debugging: A blockchain developer should be able to test and debug blockchain applications to ensure their quality, reliability, and security.
- Staying up-to-date with industry developments: A blockchain developer should stay informed about the latest industry developments and trends, and be willing to continuously learn and improve their skills.
- Ensuring security and privacy: A blockchain developer should be able to implement security and privacy measures to ensure the safety of the blockchain applications they develop and protect the users’ data and assets.
Why become a blockchain developer?
The following reasons explain it better:
High demand
Advanced technology and potential for growth: The prospects for blockchain are very high, with 84% of companies using blockchain based on last year’s PwC survey. A lot more people will use blockchain. Less than 1% of companies have implemented this technology, and many more are considering implementation in the future.
Amazing pay
According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary of a blockchain developer in India is around INR 5,00,000 to INR 15,00,000. However, the salary can go up to INR 20,00,000 or more for experienced professionals working in top companies in the industry. Higher pay applies to those experienced and highly skilled in blockchain.
Ability to teach others
Blockchain developer jobs and training can open up additional income streams by teaching others development skills on the same. For example, they can teach through online textbook platforms.
Improved digital identity and security
Blockchain offers better prospects for organizations that want to secure their operations and platforms to a greater extent than older non-blockchain platforms would. Blockchain platforms and processes such as digital identities also help reduce process and operational costs for developers and their organizations.
Contribute to other technologies of the new age
Blockchain integrates with other technologies such as IoT.
Popular specialization in blockchain development
Blockchain development is a vast field, and there are several areas of specialization that you can choose from based on your interests and expertise. Here are some popular specializations in blockchain development:
Smart contract development
Involves creating self-executing contracts that automatically execute when certain predefined conditions are met. These are used in a wide range of applications, including supply chain management, finance, and real estate.
Decentralized application (DApp) development
DApp development involves creating decentralized applications that run on a blockchain platform. DApps are designed to be transparent, secure, and tamper-proof.
Blockchain architecture design
Blockchain architecture design involves designing the underlying architecture of a blockchain network. This includes designing the consensus mechanism, data structure, and network topology.
Cryptography
Cryptography is a key component of blockchain technology and involves developing and implementing cryptographic algorithms to secure the blockchain network and user data.
Blockchain consulting
Blockchain consulting involves providing guidance and advice to businesses and organizations on how to implement blockchain technology for their specific use cases. This includes assessing the feasibility of blockchain solutions, developing implementation strategies, and conducting training sessions for stakeholders.
Blockchain security
It involves implementing security measures to protect the blockchain network and user data from cyber threats and attacks.
Blockchain research and development
This involves conducting research and developing new blockchain technologies, such as new consensus algorithms or new types of blockchain networks.
Steps to Become a blockchain developer
Here are some steps that can help you become a blockchain developer:
- Learn the basics: Start by learning the basics of blockchain technology, including distributed ledgers, consensus mechanisms, smart contracts, and cryptography. There are many online resources available, including tutorials, courses, and books that can help you understand the concepts.
- Learn programming languages: Blockchain developers typically use programming languages such as Solidity, JavaScript, and Python. So, you should learn at least one of these languages and gain proficiency in it.
- Gain practical experience: Practice is key to becoming a blockchain developer. Start by building simple applications and gradually move to more complex ones. You can also contribute to open-source projects to gain more experience and build your portfolio.
- Join blockchain communities: Join online blockchain communities, attend blockchain events and meetups, and participate in online discussions. This will help you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field and learn from experienced professionals.
- Specialize in a specific blockchain platform: There are several blockchain platforms, such as Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric, and Corda, each with its features and benefits. Choose one or more platforms that interest you and specialize in them.
- Keep learning: Blockchain technology is still evolving, and new platforms and tools are constantly being developed. So, it is essential to keep learning and upgrading your skills to stay relevant in the industry.
- Look for job opportunities: Once you have gained sufficient knowledge and experience, start looking for job opportunities in blockchain development. You can search for job openings on job portals or reach out to blockchain companies directly.
How to become a blockchain developer – Eligibility criteria
Universities that offer UG courses in blockchain development offer them under the B. Tech Computer Science degree. In India, if a candidate wants to apply for B. Tech CS, he needs to clear the 10+2 exam in PCM subjects. Some universities require 50% marks in the 10+2 exam and PCM subjects and some require 60% to 70% marks. Details are given above.
B. Tech Blockchain Development: Admission Criteria
Eligibility criteria are also not standardized for blockchain courses in India. Universities like UPES require a minimum of 50% marks in class 10 and also in the higher secondary examination. Candidate should also secure a minimum of 50% marks in PCM subjects in Higher Secondary. On the other hand, there are universities like Sharda University with stricter selection criteria of 60% in High School and 70% in Higher Secondary with 60% marks in PCM subjects.
Some universities also require candidates to clear recognized entrance exams like JEE Main or UPSEE or their own entrance exams.
Entrance exams for admission to blockchain development courses
Most universities offering B. Tech CS with Blockchain have their own entrance exams. Sharda has the SUAT exam. UPES has UPES Engineering Aptitude Test. Some universities do not require entrance exams at all. Most of the universities offering UG courses in blockchain also consider JEE Main scores. A decent JEE Main score will help the applicant to avoid the entrance tests of these universities.
Fees structure to become a Blockchain developer in India
Most reputed institutes charge around Rs. 6 to 7 lakhs for a B. Tech course specializing in Blockchain. However, many universities and institutes charge less – even Rs. 2 lakhs. Based on the research done, the minimum fee for the UG blockchain course is Rs. 2.5 lakh and the maximum course fee is Rs. 16 lakh.
Skills required to become a Blockchain developer
To become a successful blockchain developer, you need to have a strong combination of technical and non-technical skills. Here are some essential skills required to become a blockchain developer:
- Understanding of blockchain technology: You should have a thorough understanding of blockchain technology, including its architecture, distributed ledger, consensus mechanisms, smart contracts, and cryptography.
- Proficiency in programming languages: You should be proficient in at least one of the programming languages used in blockchain development, such as Solidity, JavaScript, or Python.
- Knowledge of blockchain platforms: There are several blockchain platforms available, including Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric, and Corda. You should have a good understanding of at least one of these platforms.
- Smart contract development: You should have experience in designing and developing smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement between buyer and seller being directly written into lines of code.
- Familiarity with decentralized applications: You should have experience in developing decentralized applications (DApps) that run on a blockchain platform.
- Collaborative skills: Blockchain development involves working in a team with other developers, designers, and product managers. You should have excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively in a team.
- Problem-solving skills: As a blockchain developer, you will encounter various technical challenges that require creative problem-solving skills.
- Security and privacy skills: You should be familiar with the security and privacy measures required to protect the blockchain network, smart contracts, and user data.
Discover More by accessing the Free Career Dashboard
This will help us share relevant information with you.
Career progression in the blockchain developer
After joining as a Blockchain Developer/ Blockchain Engineering Consultant/ Intern Conversion Research Scientist/ Blockchain Product Management Intern/ Intern – Blockchain Solutions/ Research Intern – Cryptography and Privacy Research, you may grow through roles such as Blockchain Architect/ Senior Consultant-Digital Product Development/ Senior Specialist Solutions Architect-Blockchain/ Senior Security Architect-Cryptography and Blockchain/ Principal Software Engineer-Blockchain/ Global Practice Lead – Blockchain/ Finance Technology Global Operations Lead/ Director of Product-Blockchain/ Director-Digital Innovation/ Senior Director-Incident Command or Senior Director – Identity Products and so on.
If you are interested in mining, it may give you a career spanning more than 2 decades till the total stock of digital currencies last. Once 1 stock gets over, you can choose to mine a different coin which has probably just been introduced to Dex! Take for example, Bitcoin will last a few more years or so with just 1/3rd of it left to mine (the total number was 21 million coins). However, Bitcoin.com has saved around 1 million inactive coins to be introduced when the global supply is tapped out and demand is high. Similarly, Komodo has a total capacity of 200 million coins that should last a good 14 years and also saved around 100 million coins for future use.
Job opportunities after studying blockchain development course
After studying a blockchain development course can open up a wide range of job opportunities in various industries. Here are some job roles that you can explore after completing a blockchain development course:
- Blockchain Developer
- Blockchain Engineer
- Blockchain Consultant
- Blockchain Solution Architect
- Blockchain Security Engineer
- Blockchain Product Manager
- Blockchain Analyst
Where to find a job role –
Numerous companies out of which are IT-facing or some have anything to do with cloud computing and are innovating in emerging technologies such as blockchain, Fintech, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things, or even healthcare management systems/laboratory information systems.
Several popular enterprises such as IBM India Pvt. Ltd., Hitachi Analytics, Intel, Facebook (Calibra), Cisco, Capgemini Technology Services India Ltd., Amazon Web Services, Inc., Accenture, Bosch, Oracle, HP, Microsoft, VMware, JP Morgan Chase (JPMC Cybersecurity & Technology Controls Group), Binance, Sony, Deloitte (Innovation group), Lenovo, Uber, Ola, etc.
These companies are also building products targeted at their key accounts for example IBM may design blockchain-based solutions for Signature Bank which does not have in-house IT/development capacity. Such is the case with many other IT giants.
You may join innovation-driven startups foraying into or establishing the fields of Fintech, HealthTech, or cryptocurrency exchanges (like Binance, BitForex, Huobi, etc.).
You can also be an independent cryptocurrency miner but remember to choose which coin to mine unless you want to set up multiple GPUs to make a mining rig.
Blockchain developer salary in India
After your Bachelor’s degree, at entry-level jobs as a Trainee or Intern, you may expect to make about Rs. 25,000 – 50,000 or even more a month. Higher salaries are paid to graduates from premier institutions.
At the junior level jobs, you may expect to get about Rs. 50,000 – 2, 00, 000 or even more per month.
In mid-level jobs in India, (with 5-12 years of experience) may vary from Rs. 90, 000 – 3, 00,000 per month or even more.
At the senior level (with 12-20 years of experience), you may earn about Rs. 1,50,000 – 3,00,000 or even more a month. Chief Technical Officers may earn about Rs. 50,00,000 to 3,00,00,000 or much more per year.
Final words!
Becoming a blockchain developer requires a strong combination of technical and non-technical skills, including a thorough understanding of blockchain technology, proficiency in programming languages, familiarity with decentralized applications, and excellent problem-solving and collaboration skills.
Being a blockchain developer is only for the lion-hearted. Long tedious work hours & tremendous pressure in a fast-paced environment are usually the cases with most companies in this space today. However, if you have confused lazy fingers but still want to join the blockchain community, feel free to drop us a message or connect with our senior mobility experts to help you transition across your career journey.
Or why don’t you connect with our industry experts? Yes, you read it right! You can get your queries resolved in just 60 seconds from our Career counselors. So, what are you waiting for? Download the iDreamCareer app now!
iDreamCareer always believes in helping young minds discover their true mettle. We try to help young confused minds from 9th class, 10th class, class 11, class 12 to select their most-suited career choices.
Useful links,
FAQs
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it depends on several factors, such as your previous experience and knowledge, how much time you are willing to dedicate to learning, and what platform you want to develop. However, with dedicated effort, it is possible to become an experienced blockchain developer in a matter of months.
Yes, blockchain requires coding. At the very least, you need the most basic form of coding to create a “smart contract”, which is the basic thing in the blockchain.
There are several blockchain development courses available online, such as Coursera’s Blockchain Specialization, Udacity’s Blockchain Developer Nanodegree, and edX’s Blockchain Fundamentals course. It’s important to choose a course that aligns with your interests and career goals.
There is no doubt that coding on the blockchain is not easy. It requires a lot of technical knowledge and expertise to be able to code the blockchain. However, there are many resources available to help people learn how to code blockchain. There are online courses, tutorials, and even books that can help people learn the basics of blockchain coding. With the right resources, anyone can learn how to code a blockchain.
There is no one specific language used for Blockchain. Instead, Blockchain technology is built on top of existing programming languages. The most common languages used for Blockchain development are C++, Java, and Python.
Discover More by accessing the Free Career Dashboard
This will help us share relevant information with you
Trending Posts
Anushree has 4+ years of experience in the career counseling industry as a Senior Content Writer. She has also worked as a Social Media Marketing Expert for a startup and Content Quality Analyst for Publishing and E-learning Industry. She has done her Master’s in Commerce and PGDM in Finance & Trade and Marketing & HR, but she is currently following her passion for writing.
You have noted very interesting points!
Thank you for the information
I think this is among the most significant info for me. And I am glad reading your article.
Excellent article and an easy-to-understand explanation.