Seven months back, I started learning Solidity to become a web3 developer. As a beginner, it was challenging to continue as there weren’t many docs to address the issues I faced.
I later realized I needed some web3 developer skills before I picked up Solidity; therefore, I started this blog to simplify web3 development and address issues yet to be discussed.
In this guide, you will learn how to become a web3 developer with no previous experience. Disclaimer: My roadmap may change, so I will update this document gradually. See the original article here.
Who Is a Web3 Developer?
To become a web3 developer, you should be able to tell the following:
The Difference Between the Web and the Internet
You have probably heard of the world wide web (WWW), but do you know what it means? Interestingly, the page you are looking at right now is the web.
Simply put, the web refers to a collection of online resources or every public website (or webpage) that users can access from their personal computers through the internet.
On the other hand, the internet is a network of connected computers or devices. So if you plan to be a web developer, you will develop pages with which users can interact.
The Difference Between Web3 and Web2
Web2 is the current phase of the internet that marks increased user, social networking, and user-generated content (UGC). It saw the rise of social media, e-commerce, and content creation. Some examples of web2 apps include Shopify, Spotify, and tik tok.
On the other hand, web3 (the future internet generation) focuses on decentralized technologies, such as blockchain and smart contracts. If you want to know more about the differences between web3 and web2, you should see The One Web 3.0 Guide to Rule ’em All. Likewise, Uniswap and Aave are web apps (dApps) in web3.
The Job of a Web2 Developer
Since web2 is more focused on e-commerce and social networking, a web2 developer is more focused on creating websites, web applications, mobile apps, and Content management systems (CMS), i.e., WordPress.
Web2 development is split into frontend development and back-end development. A frontend developer in web2 uses programming languages like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS to build web pages (client side) that users interact with.
At the same time, the back end is in charge of building the server side of the web (making the webpage or website function correctly).
Who Is a Web3 Developer?
A web3 developer is a computer programmer who focuses on building decentralized applications, Non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and smart contracts that run on the blockchain.
Without web3, applications could still be decentralized, running on peer-to-peer networks of computers or distributed hash tables (DHTs). However, the blockchain is essential in web3 because of its unique features. These features include
Decentralized consensus – it means that all network participants can make decisions without the need for a central authority.
Immutability – data created and stored on the blockchain cannot be easily altered or deleted, ensuring integrity and trust.
Smart contracts – The blockchain allows for smart contracts – self-executing codes which can be programmed to execute automatically when certain conditions are met.
Programmable money – It allows the creation of programmable money or tokens, such as cryptocurrencies or NFTs.
In summary, the blockchain is an added technology to web3, allowing it to support more decentralized apps efficiently and securely.
Why Should You Consider Web3 Development?
I believe in starting with why in everything because I cannot give my 1000% to a cause I don’t believe in. So what is my why for learning web3 development?
The web3 developer salary is good, but it’s not enough reason for me to learn it. It had to be something else that held meaning and value for me. I like to teach people, so I believe I could impact people’s lives by breaking down web3 development for beginners.
That aside, the following are some reasons you should consider web3 development:
Web3 Developer Salary
It’s no secret that web3 developers get paid an enormous sum. In fact, the web3.career page created comprehensive job salary statistics by Web3 Jobs, which you can see below. If money is your primary motivation to get things done, this should already motivate you.
Different area of specialization
There are different types of web3 developers, so you can decide to become any of the following:
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Smart contract engineer,
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Dapps developer,
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Blockchain developer,
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Frontend developer,
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DAO developer, or
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NFT developer.
You will see more about them later. Other reasons include being an early adopter of the blockchain, building decentralized solutions, and learning how cryptocurrency works.
What Can You Build as a Web3 Developer?
Knowing what you will be doing when choosing a career path is wise. Web3 developers can build websites, write smart contracts, and build dApps and blockchains. For example, Beyond ChatGPT: 12 Mind-Blowing Web3 Projects That Push the Boundaries of Innovation details the projects you can build with your skills.
Types of Web3 Developers and Their Required Skills
Frontend Web3 Developer
I’m more interested in coding the part of the website that users see and interact with. It’s similar to frontend development in web2, but this time I have to learn how smart contract works to build interactive dApps.
The following are skills a web3 frontend developer needs to master
- Web2 frontend development.
- Web3 Js Libraries: web3.js, ethers.js, and web3.py.
- Smart contracts.
- How wallets work.
Smart Contract Engineer
On the one hand, Solidity is the programming language used to write smart contracts. On the other hand, the smart contract is a self-executing code that runs on the blockchain.
A self-executing code means it executes instructions by itself after certain conditions have been met. For example, if Mr. A and Ms. B are allowed to swap their coins on the condition that they have funded their wallet, the smart contract will run like this.
If Mr. A && Ms. B fund their wallet
Proceed to transaction
Else
Transaction cannot take place
A smart contract engineer creates, tests, and implements smart contracts. Therefore, a smart contract engineer needs to know the following:
- Programming languages like Solidity, Rust, and Vyper.
- Blockchains like Ethereum and Polygon.
- Decentralized Finance (DeFi).
- Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).
- Cryptographic algorithms.
- Problem-solving.
- Tools Remix, Truffle, Ganache, and Hardhat.
Blockchain Developer
Blockchains like Ethereum need a programmer to design secure blockchains and develop the features so that other applications like Uniswap and OpenSea can be built on them. The following are some of the skills a blockchain developer need:
- Smart contract development.
- Decentralized Finance (DeFi).
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Back-end development, algorithms, and data structures.
- Programming languages like Java, Python, Solidity, GO, Javascript, and C++.
Other types of web3 developers include Dapps developers, DAO developers, and NFT developers.
My Web3 Developer Roadmap
Find the roadmap to becoming a web3 developer with no experience below.
First Step: Computer Architecture
Unless you are a genius, you should learn how the computer works to become a web3 developer as a beginner. I can’t expect to understand Solidity if I don’t even know some words in the computer dictionary.
Moreover, I put 2025 in the title of this article to show that I’m not rushing to learn. You should learn the basics of memory, data structure, and algorithm. See a complete resource on computer architecture. You don’t have to consume it all at once.
Step 2: Blockchain Fundamentals
What is the blockchain? How does the blockchain work? These were some of my questions when I stumbled on web3. Similar to how you’ve learned the basics of the computer, it’s essential to learn blockchain basics.
The first explanatory blockchain article I read by Nick Darlington did well to solidify my knowledge of the blockchain. I could write a further explanatory article on it, but it’s pretty explanatory for beginners.
You can also look up the meaning of each word in these blockchain and web3 dictionaries to further solidify your knowledge.
Step 3: Frontend Development
If you plan to become a website developer like me, then frontend is non-negotiable. However, if you want to be a smart contract developer, you should focus more on Javascript.
After three to four months, I would pick up a framework called React because it is highly recommended. I will use the following resources to learn frontend development:
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A frontend course from educative.io and Free Code Camp.
I could remain a frontend web3 developer if I find this path interesting. So you have nothing to lose if you learn frontend for a while.
Step 4: Pick a Blockchain
Many experts suggest learning with Ethereum because most blockchains are built using standards similar to Ethereum. So it’ll be easier to transition to other blockchains later. Other blockchains include Solana, Polygon, etc. Here is a comprehensive guide to Ethereum before you jump on Solidity:
Step 5: Pick Solidity
Since Solidity is the primary programming language (not the only one) for web3 development, you must learn it. Your real job as a web3 developer starts here, so you should spend significant time learning and practicing.
Solidity is a high-level, contract-oriented programming language for smart contracts, allowing programmers to write self-executing code that powers blockchain dApps.
After learning Solidity, you can write self-executing code called smart contracts. Here are some resources to learn Solidity with
Step 6: Learn Ether.js and Web3.js
After learning frontend and solidity, you must understand how to connect them and make them work. To do so, you must also learn Web3.js and Ether.js.
Ether.js is a user interface that allows for interaction with the Ethereum network. It is a substitute for Web3.js, which links smart contracts with Javascript frontends.
We can see web3 as a house, web3 Js libraries as the cement and blocks used in building the house, smart contracts as the pillar of the house, and wallets as the key to enter the house.
Grace Olayinka
Step 7: Learn Truffle or Hard Hat
Truffle and Hardhat are both development frameworks web3 developers use to build and test decentralized applications on the Ethereum blockchain.
Truffle is a popular development framework that provides a suite of tools for developers to create, test, and deploy smart contracts on the Ethereum network. Learn how to use Truffle.
Likewise, Hardhat also provides a suite of tools for developers to build, test, and deploy smart contracts on the Ethereum network. However, it includes advanced debugging and testing capabilities and support for multiple blockchains. It also allows for easy integration with other tools and services. Learn how to use Hardhat.
Indeed web3 development does not end here, but the above steps are a great starting point.
Key Points
- As a web3 developer, you can build websites, write smart contracts, build dApps, blockchain develop more types of developers.
- Start with the computer architecture.
- Simply put, the web refers to a collection of online resources or every public website or page that users can access from their personal computers through their internet.
- A web3 developer is a computer programmer who focuses on creating decentralized applications, Non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and smart contracts that run on the blockchain.
- The types of web3 developers include Smart contact engineers, Dapps developers, Blockchain Developers, Front end developers, DAO developers, and NFT developers.
- Web3 developers can build websites, write smart contracts, build dapps, and blockchain.
- Lastly, I am learning web3 development to become a technical writer that impacts you with knowledge. What’s your why for learning web3?
Frequently Asked Questions
How to become a blockchain developer with no coding experience?
If you follow the instructions in this piece, you can become a proficient web3 or blockchain developer with time and practice.
What programming language is used for Web3?
To become a web3 programmer, you should become proficient in programming languages such as Solidity, Rust, and Javascript.
Do I need to know coding for Web3?
It depends on what career path you are taking. If you plan to become a web3 developer, it would be necessary to learn coding. On the other hand, if you choose to become a web3 content creator, you need little to no coding experience. However, to become a web3 technical writer, you must understand web3 programming depending on the technicality.
How long will it take to become a Web3 developer?
It can take around two years for beginners to become professional Web3 developers from scratch. Start by taking courses, practice more,, and afterward, you can apply for jobs.