Wanna Know How to Become a Smart Contract Developer? Here’s Your Ultimate Guide!

So, you’ve heard all the buzz about blockchain and smart contracts, right? Maybe you’re thinking, “How do I even get started with this stuff?” Don’t worry! I’ve got your back. Whether you’re a total newbie or you’ve dabbled a bit, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to become a smart contract developer. From the basics of blockchain to writing your first contract, let’s dive in and get you on the path to building the future of decentralized apps!

Step 1: Get the Hang of Blockchain (Trust me, it’s important!)

Before we get into writing smart contracts, it helps to know what blockchain actually is. Think of it as a digital ledger (like an old-school accounting book) where every transaction is recorded across multiple computers, so no one can mess with it. Neat, right? But believe me a really hate this example of explaining the Blockchain, yet it is so efficient ! ????

Here are a few key terms you’ll hear a lot:

• Blockchain: The system that records all transactions. It’s decentralized, so no single person or entity controls it.
• Consensus Mechanism: How the network agrees on what’s true. You’ve probably heard of Proof of Work and Proof of Stake.
• Decentralization: This is the magic that makes blockchain trustworthy. No middleman, just code and math.

Pro Tip: Start with a solid understanding of blockchain concepts. You can check out courses on Coursera or even grab a book like Mastering Blockchain. Trust me, this will make everything else much easier!

Please guys , don’t confuse cryptocurrency ( Bitcoin , .. ) , with Blockchain . Cryptocurrencies they are build on top of Blockchains , or part of a protocol that utilizes the Blockchain . You can use Blockchain in a lot of use cases . It’s a technology , just like AI for example .

Step 2: Pick Your Smart Contract Language

Or should I say , pick your poison ?? ! Okay, now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to choose your weapon (aka programming language). Here’s a breakdown of the most popular languages for smart contracts:

Solidity (Ethereum)

If you’re diving into Ethereum or other Ethereum-compatible chains, Solidity is the language to learn. It’s kinda like a mix of JavaScript, Python, and C++ — but for the blockchain. The advantage of this programming language that it is widely used . You will find basically everything you need to learn . Plus there is a lot of Blockchains EVM compatible ( Ethereum virtual machine ) , so you will be eligible to code on multiple chains if you learn how to program in Solidity .

Key Concepts to Learn:

• Gas (not the kind for your car), inheritance, and storage vs. memory . And By the way , you will find Gas in all blockchains starting from the second generation . I m not talking about you Bitcoin , you are something else .

Where to Learn Solidity:

• CryptoZombies — This is like learning to code while playing a game. Super fun and interactive.
• Solidity Docs — Once you’re comfortable, the official docs are gold.
• There is also multiple youtube channel like Freecodecamp for example . In terms of content , this has never been a problem of Ethereum . The community is so big that you won’t be lost . I remember when I started learning it , they were couple of forums , but now there is everything you need to learn how to code in solidity .

Move (Aptos & Sui)

Move is newer but making waves. If you want to jump into the Aptos or Sui ecosystems, this is your go-to.

Key Concepts to Learn:

• Borrowing (yes, like in Rust), resource management, and security features. Move is so similar to Rust , you know what , it is rust but wearing a new outfit . God I love that language . I advice a lot of people to start learning it since the need of developers is big right now and Sui and Aptos they are very big in the crypto industry !

Where to Learn Move:

• Move Docs — Start here and get familiar with how Move works on Aptos.
• Me ?? ? : If you have any question please reach out to me or Dar Blockchain organization . They really know their stuff .

WebAssembly (WASM) (Polkadot , EOS & Massa )

Want more flexibility? WebAssembly lets you work in multiple languages, so you’re not stuck with just one. Don’t be scared , it’s typescript with a capability to communicate with a machine .

Key Concepts to Learn:

• Wasm modules and memory management.

Where to Learn WASM:

• “ Learn WebAssembly “ — A solid book to get started.
• Blockchains docs , because it really depends on the library they are using .

Rust (Solana , NEAR protocol and the list is too long )

Of course , I won’t forget you Rust despite my rusty memory . The king of all Blockchain programming languages ( Sorry Solidity ) . A fast, memory-safe systems programming language used for building blockchains and smart contracts.

• Features: Rust is known for performance and security, with a strong emphasis on preventing memory leaks and crashes.
• Use Case: Building blockchain protocols (like Polkadot and Solana) and writing smart contracts (NEAR, Solana). Rust is also widely used for compiling to WebAssembly (WASM) in the blockchain space.
• Learning Resources:
• You can find a lot of courses on Youtube and Udemy . And you can browse the docs of the blockchain themselves .

Golang ( I can’t really remember a blockchain that didn’t use Golang ????)

If you’re planning to build blockchain infrastructure or want to contribute to big projects like Cosmos, Hyperledger Fabric, or Ethereum (through Geth), Go is the language to learn. Golang stands out for its performance and simplicity — think of it as a no-nonsense language with a bit of C and Python vibes. It’s especially great if you’re building high-performance systems that need to handle a lot of concurrent processes, which is essential in blockchains.

The best part? Go is not only used for building blockchains, but it’s also a favorite for running full blockchain nodes and developing custom blockchain networks. Learning Go opens the door to working on some of the biggest blockchain projects like Ethereum, Cosmos, Tendermint, and Hyperledger.

Key Concepts to Learn:

• Goroutines & Concurrency: One of Go’s superpowers. Learn how to manage multiple tasks efficiently, which is a key feature when dealing with thousands of blockchain transactions.
• Blockchain Nodes & Clients: Learn how to set up, run, and manage full nodes like Go-Ethereum (Geth), which is used to interact with the Ethereum blockchain.
• Chaincode (Smart Contracts) in Hyperledger: In Hyperledger Fabric, Go is used to write chaincode (smart contracts) that run on permissioned blockchains for enterprise use.
• Building Blockchains with Cosmos SDK: Get to know Cosmos SDK, a Go-based framework that allows developers to create custom blockchains from scratch.

Where to learn :

• Go Docs — The official Go documentation is the best place to start with the language itself.
• Go Documentation

Go-Ethereum (Geth) Docs — If you’re interested in Ethereum, learning how to run and interact with Ethereum nodes using Geth (written in Go) is a great way to start.

• Geth Docs

Cosmos SDK Documentation — The Cosmos SDK is a great example of Go being used to build customizable blockchain ecosystems.

• Cosmos SDK

Hyperledger Fabric Documentation — Hyperledger Fabric is one of the top enterprise blockchain frameworks, and Go is heavily used for writing smart contracts (chaincode) and managing the blockchain infrastructure.

• Hyperledger Fabric Docs

YouTube Channels and Online Courses –

• FreeCodeCamp has some Go tutorials if you’re just starting.
• Platforms like Udemy offer blockchain-specific Go courses that cover everything from running nodes to building custom blockchains.

Communities and Forums — Go has a strong community around blockchain development, especially with projects like Ethereum, Cosmos, and Tendermint. Don’t hesitate to jump into GitHub, Stack Overflow, or Reddit to ask questions and learn from others.

Step 3: Understand Smart Contract Development Environments

To develop smart contracts, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the tools and environments that allow you to write, test, and deploy your code efficiently. Each blockchain and language has its own set of development tools designed to help you along the way. Let’s break them down:

Ethereum Smart Contract Development Tools (Solidity):

If you’re developing on Ethereum or EVM-compatible chains, these are essential tools:

• Remix: A browser-based IDE that simplifies the process of writing, testing, and deploying Solidity contracts. Great for beginners.
• Hardhat: A robust development environment that helps with smart contract testing, debugging, and deployment. It supports tasks like gas optimization and contract debugging.
• Truffle Suite: A set of tools for developing Ethereum-based dApps, offering built-in testing, smart contract management, and deployment capabilities.

Move Smart Contract Tools (Aptos & Sui):

For Move, the smart contract language used by Aptos and Sui, these tools will be your best friends:

• Aptos CLI & Move CLI: Command-line interfaces that let you interact with the Aptos blockchain, compile, and deploy Move smart contracts. These tools are essential for working with Move.
• Move Playground: An interactive environment to write and test Move smart contracts.

WebAssembly Smart Contract Tools (WASM):

For blockchains like Polkadot, EOS, Cosmos, and Massa, WebAssembly (WASM) is the go-to runtime environment. Here are the key tools:

• Substrate: A framework for building blockchains using WebAssembly smart contracts. It is highly modular, allowing developers to build customized blockchains and dApps.
• Parity Ink!: A tool specifically designed for writing smart contracts in Rust, compiled to WebAssembly for use with Substrate blockchains.

Cosmos SDK Development Tools (Golang):

For building custom blockchains on Cosmos, Go is the key language:

• Cosmos SDK: The open-source framework for building interoperable blockchains on Cosmos. It provides modularity, scalability, and is written in Go.
• Tendermint Core: The consensus engine used by Cosmos, built in Go, which ensures that transactions are processed securely and efficiently.

Hyperledger Fabric Smart Contract Tools (Golang):

For enterprise blockchain development using Hyperledger Fabric:

• Hyperledger Fabric SDK: Hyperledger Fabric supports smart contracts (or chaincode) in Go. You can use the Hyperledger SDK to interact with permissioned blockchains, deploy chaincode, and manage transactions.
• Fabric CLI: A command-line tool to manage and deploy smart contracts in Hyperledger Fabric.

Step 4: Build, Build, Build!

The best way to learn smart contract development? Just start building stuff! Here are some fun projects you can try:

1. Create Your Own Token: You’ve heard of ERC-20 tokens, right? You can create your very own token (like a crypto version of Monopoly money) and see how it works.
2. NFT Marketplace: Build a simple marketplace where users can buy and sell NFTs. This will teach you how to handle transactions and token standards like ERC-721.
3. Decentralized Voting System: Build a voting app where votes are securely cast and tallied on the blockchain.

Pro Tip: Platforms like Buildspace are awesome for hands-on learning. They walk you through building real-world projects from scratch.

Step 5: You’re Ready to Start Looking for a Job!

Congrats! Now that you’ve mastered the basics (and maybe even some advanced concepts) of smart contract development, it’s time to take the plunge and find a job in the exciting world of Web3. The demand for smart contract developers is growing fast, with opportunities ranging from working with cutting-edge DeFi protocols to building infrastructure for NFT marketplaces or even contributing to the core development of blockchains.

Here are some steps and resources to help you land your first role as a smart contract developer:

Where to Find Web3 Jobs as a Smart Contract Developer:

1. Web3-Specific Job Boards

These job boards are tailor-made for Web3 and blockchain roles, making it easier to find smart contract development positions.

• CryptoJobs: One of the largest job boards for blockchain and cryptocurrency jobs. You can find roles for smart contract development, dApp development, and more.
• Web3.careers: This site aggregates Web3-related jobs, including roles for smart contract developers. It’s one of the best places to start when looking for blockchain jobs across a wide variety of companies.
• BlockchainDevJobs: As the name suggests, this site is specifically for developers looking to work on blockchain platforms. It lists various positions, from protocol developers to smart contract engineers.
• EthLance: A decentralized job platform built on Ethereum. You can find freelance gigs and long-term roles in smart contract development and other blockchain-related fields.
• UseWeb3: UseWeb3 is a curated platform for learning and finding jobs in Web3. It’s developer-focused, with resources on how to level up your skills and apply for jobs in the ecosystem.
• Linkedin could be also very helpful and there is a bunch of other websites . Try to do you own research , you might see other offers in other websites !

2. Freelancing Platforms

If you’re more interested in freelancing, these platforms often have plenty of opportunities for smart contract developers.

• Upwork: One of the most popular freelancing platforms. While it caters to various fields, there’s a growing demand for blockchain-related jobs, including smart contract development.
• Freelancer: Similar to Upwork, this site also offers numerous blockchain-related projects. You can find one-off contracts, as well as ongoing opportunities in smart contract development.
• Bounty0x: This platform lets developers earn cryptocurrency by completing tasks or “bounties” for blockchain projects. It’s a great way to start gaining real-world experience in Web3.

3. General Job Boards with Web3 Filters

Traditional job platforms have started adding Web3 filters to make it easier for developers to find blockchain-related roles.

• LinkedIn: More and more blockchain companies are posting their job listings on LinkedIn. Just search for “Smart Contract Developer” or “Blockchain Developer” and you’ll find roles at companies around the world.
• Indeed: Another popular general job board, Indeed also lists positions for smart contract developers. Keep an eye out for listings with blockchain-specific filters.
• AngelList: AngelList is known for startup jobs, and the platform has seen a huge influx of blockchain and Web3 startups in recent years. You can filter by Web3 to find roles in this space.

4. DAO and Community-based Hiring

In the Web3 space, a lot of hiring happens in Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) or directly within blockchain communities. You can often find opportunities just by being active in the community.

• [Discord and Telegram Communities: Many blockchain projects have official Discord or Telegram channels where they announce job openings. It’s also a great way to connect with founders and teams directly.
• DAOs and Governance Forums: Some DAOs and blockchain projects have forums where jobs and bounties are listed for smart contract developers to contribute to protocol development or dApp creation.

Pro Tips for Landing a Web3 Job:

Build a Portfolio:

• Showcase your skills by deploying your own smart contracts or contributing to open-source blockchain projects on GitHub.
• Highlight your work on personal projects, like NFT collections, DeFi protocols, or token standards, and share them publicly.

Contribute to Open Source:

• Jump into GitHub repositories of projects you’re passionate about. Many blockchain projects actively encourage open-source contributions, and it’s a great way to get noticed.

Join Web3 Communities:

• Participating in Discord and Telegram channels for blockchain projects not only helps you learn but can also get you on the radar of hiring managers and project leads.

Networking:

• Attend virtual and physical events like hackathons, conferences (ETHGlobal, Solana Hackathons, Polkadot events), and developer meetups. Networking is huge in Web3!

Keep Learning:

• The Web3 space evolves rapidly, so stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments. Engage with online communities, read blogs, follow influencers, and contribute to the conversation.

Good Luck !! Reach me for details . I m a very helpful person ????