Start your development journey into the world of Web3

What’s the hottest job on the market? Software engineers, programmers and designers have been in high demand over the past decade. However, with the rise of blockchain and cryptocurrency, Web3 developers have had it got up quickly in the list.

Web3 has seen a huge influx of interest over the past two years. The startup scene is on fire as new projects grow and innovation flourishes. Even some of the world’s biggest companies, like Nike and Adidas, have thrown their hats into the ring. All this has made Web3 developers a hot commodity.

But despite the great demand, there are few Web3 developers. The Web3 concept is still a relatively new idea and has only been around since 2014. There aren’t many college courses that incorporate blockchain, let alone material on the still nascent concept. This was just one of several reasons that led us to create a complete stack It is developed on Web3.

It may come as no surprise that Web3 developers can command quite a high price tag. In fact, some put these salaries in between $300,000 and $750,000. This may be one of the big reasons why developers at Meta (formerly Facebook) and Google are moving to Web3.

But Silicon Valley isn’t the only place seeing an increased migration of developers. In fact, Web3 is attracting a whole new wave of talent. Take Redfoo for example. The Billboard artist left her music career to pursue her passion for coding. The self-taught celebrity has since learned Solidity and Rust and now partners with Radix.

So why can developers command such high salaries and why do companies pay them? The answer lies within the potential of Web3.

What is Web3?

Many consider Web3 to be the next step in the evolution of the Internet.

Web1 is classified as the early stage of the internet. Websites were simple pages with just text and the occasional image. These sites did not offer much more than the information shown on them.

Web2 emerged as websites became more attractive and provided utility services. At this stage, the internet is known for its most popular uses: social media, e-commerce, and entertainment. But Web2 also saw the internet highly covered and controlled by large corporations. Internet users already use the Internet through products and services from companies such as Google, Meta, and Amazon.

Using the Web3 blockchain as its foundation, it seeks to break away from the control of these large organizations. Due to its decentralized nature, blockchain helps prevent such gatekeepers, while also providing greater functionality and utility through things like cryptocurrency.

So what does it take to become a Web3 developer?

Find the right programming language

One of the first steps in Web3 development is to become familiar with the many programming languages ​​available. Solidity is one of the most popular languages ​​and is used by Ethereum and many other blockchains.

Other popular choices include JavaScript, Python, and Rust. Depending on the blockchain being built, one programming language will make more sense than another. For example, Rust will help you write smart contracts in Solana, while Plutus is used in Cardano.

Choosing the right environment

Because Web3 relies on distributed ledger technology (DLT), it’s useful to understand the benefits of building in this environment. DLT’s creation of transparency and traceability simultaneously increases the speed of transactions (or in this case, Web searches) and lowers costs.

To better understand the essence of DLT, many Web3 project developers recommend reading the Ethereum and Bitcoin white papers, suggesting that Blockchain is the only and best way. They explain the intricacies of each respective platform and their various components.

Furthermore, each DLT is different and has its own rules and requirements. These differences can range from the underlying programming language used to specific standards that developers must adhere to. Sticking to a single DLT environment first, Blockchain or otherwise, can allow developers to more purposefully understand the underlying technology. This can prevent you from stretching yourself too thin by trying to learn so many different nuances.

Deciding on a development stack

The development stack is an indispensable resource for any software developer, and Web3 is no different. A development stack is a set of tools that developers use to run their projects. A Web3 stack typically consists of a Web3 library, smart contracts, nodes, and wallets. Additionally, as developers, they can use a targeted development stack Radix to avoid having to find and curate a stack themselves.

Decide whether to go solo or join someone else

Learning the ins and outs is difficult in itself – but creating and implementing what you learn is a whole new challenge. The DLT environment can be unforgiving for new and solo programmers. Not only is it expensive to upload code, but it can be difficult (if not impossible) to edit once it’s posted.

Fortunately, Web3 projects and startups are always looking for developers. Often these companies are willing to take on and train new developers as demand is high. This can be a great way to gain experience and learn on the job.

These opportunities can be found in a variety of places, including Twitter, Discord, and Web3 job boards. Projects will often post their openings on their social media accounts if they are actively looking. Even if the project is not looking for candidates, there may still be an opportunity to join the team by recruiting them on the Discord server.

As with any creative project, many compromises are made when combining your efforts with others. Some of your ideas may not come to fruition. If creative freedom and independence are important to you, then creating your own project will be a safer option.

A recent hackathon with Redfoo during the FooHack event demonstrates just how great collaboration can be. The team at the hackathon was able to put together a complete program in a shorter amount of time than could have been achieved by going solo without guidance.

Web3 development is the place to be

Although still a relatively new space to enter, Web3 is the future. There are more companies looking to hire developers now than ever before. Whether you’re marketing yourself to employers or building a freelance Web3 project, having the resources and basic knowledge is key to finding success in this growing industry.

Piers Ridyard is CEO of RDX Works.