How to become a BlockChain Developer

A blockchain developer is a niche kind of software developer; they manage and oversee the applications of blockchains, working in all areas from research and analysis to implementation and maintenance of a certain blockchain.

Blockchains are databases that can exist on multiple devices at once. They are constantly growing, with new bits of information – ‘blocks’ – being added, creating the ‘chain’. They can be accessed by anybody who is in the network but blocks can never be deleted – making them difficult to duplicate. The most famous example of a blockchain is perhaps Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency that is not really controlled by anybody yet is impossible to get rid of.

A blockchain developer is somebody who works with this new type of software. They may already be a software developer but be looking to find a niche in this particular line of work. As blockchain was only created in 2011, this is a fairly new, and high in demand, job.

A blockchain developer’s duties will include:

• Researching ideas surrounding new blockchain applications
• Analysing the research surrounding new ideas
• Implementing ideas to create new blockchains
• Preventing cyber attacks by enhanced security measures
• Reviewing the success of different blockchains

As it is such a new profession, there is no one way to become a blockchain developer. For those who are looking for a certified blockchain developer course, there are plenty available online and some university modules. Many blockchain developers start with a degree in computer science or information security and then move into the blockchain profession. Most jobs are at technology services firms.

The ideal candidate for a blockchain developer role will obviously have a key understanding in blockchain and other softwares, with lots of technical knowledge and experience. Work experience, visiting tech events and taking supplementary courses all help.

A prospective blockchain developer should also have programming knowledge, communication skills, and be capable in programming languages and cryptography.

As this kind of tech job is highly in demand, the blockchain developer salary is typically high and competitive, increasing as the candidate travels further up the career ladder.