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What is 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 rapidly increase on the list.
Web3 has seen a huge amount of interest in the past two years. The startup scene is on fire as new projects spring up and innovation flourishes. Even some of the biggest companies in the world like Nike and Adidas have taken their hats off. All of this has made Web3 developers a hot commodity.
But despite the great demand, Web3 developers are still short of supply. The Web3 . concept It’s still a relatively new idea and has only been around since 2014. There aren’t too many university courses that incorporate blockchain, let alone document a concept that is still forming. This is just one of the few reasons why we created a full stack towards develop in Web3.
Therefore, it may come as no surprise that Web3 developers can come up with a pretty hefty price tag. In fact, some put these salaries between $300,000 and $750,000. This might just be one of the big reasons why developers at Meta (formerly Facebook) and Google switched to Web3.
But Silicon Valley isn’t the only space seeing a growing migration of developers. In fact, Web3 is attracting a whole new wave of talent. Take Redfoo as an example. The Billboard artist gave up her music career to pursue her passion for coding. The self-taught celebrity has since learned Solidity and Rust, and is now active as a Radix partner.
So why are developers able to demand such high salaries, and why do companies pay them so? The answer lies in the potential of Web3.
What is Web3?
Many see Web3 as the next step in the evolution of the Internet.
Web1 is considered the early stage of the internet. Websites are just plain pages with occasional text and images. These sites don’t offer much beyond the information displayed on them.
Web2 was born when websites became more attractive and provided utility. At this stage, the Internet is known for its most common uses: social media, eCommerce, and entertainment. But Web2 also saw the Internet become heavily controlled and regulated by large corporations. Internet users now experience the web through the products and services of companies such as Google, Meta, and Amazon.
Web3 seems to distance itself from the control of these large organizations by using blockchain as its base. Due to its decentralized nature, blockchain helps avoid these types of gatekeepers while also providing more functionality and utility through things like cryptocurrencies.
So what does it take to become a Web3 developer?
Find the right programming language
One of the first steps in Web3 development is familiarizing yourself 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 options 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 write smart contracts on Solana, while Plutus is used on Cardano.
Choose the right environment
Because Web3 is based on distributed ledger technology (DLT), it is beneficial to understand the benefits of building in that environment. DLT is known for creating an environment that promotes transparency and traceability, while speeding up transactions (or in this case, Web searches) and keeping costs low.
To better understand the essence of DLT, many Web3 project developers have assumed that Blockchain is the only and best way to go, recommending to read the white paper on Ethereum and Bitcoin. They explain the details of each respective platform and their different components.
In addition, each DLT is different and has its own rules and requirements. These differences can range from the main program language used to specific standards that developers must adhere to. Initially sticking to a single DLT environment, Blockchain or otherwise, can allow developers to better understand the underlying technology. This can prevent yourself from getting too thin by trying to learn different nuances.
Deciding on the development stack
The development stack is an indispensable resource for any software developer, and it is no different for Web3. The development stack is a lot of the tools that developers use to bring their projects to life. The Web3 stack typically includes a Web3 library, a smart contract, a node, and a wallet. Alternatively, developers can use a purpose-built development stack like Radix to avoid having to find and sort a stack yourself.
Decide if you will go alone or join others
Learning what you’ve learned inside and out is a challenge – but creating and implementing what you’ve learned is a whole new challenge. The DLT environment can be merciless for new and solo programmers. Not only does it cost tokens to upload the code, but it can also be difficult (if not impossible) to edit after it has been deployed.
Fortunately, Web3 projects and startups are constantly looking for developers. Usually, these companies are willing to take on and train new developers because the demand is so high. This can be a great way to gain experience and learn on the job.
You can find these opportunities in many places, including Twitter, Discord, and Web3. Projects will often post their opening words on their social media accounts if they are actively looking. Even if a project isn’t looking for candidates, there may still be an opportunity to join the team by engaging them on their Discord server.
As with any creative project, when combining your efforts with others, many compromises will be made. Some of your ideas may not come to fruition. If creative freedom and independence are important to you, creating your own project would be a safer option.
A recent hackathon during the FooHack event with Redfoo showed how great collaboration can be. The team at the hackathon were able to put together a full program in a shorter amount of time than could be achieved by going solo without a tutorial.
Web3 Development is the place to
While it may still be a relatively new space, Web3 is the future. More companies now want to hire developers than ever before. Having the resources and background knowledge is key to finding success in this fast-growing industry – whether you’re marketing yourself to an employer or creating a standalone Web3 project .
Piers Ridyard is the Managing Director at RDX Works.
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