A blockchain developer is a software developer who focuses on blockchain technology. The demand for blockchain developers is growing rapidly among various industries. This is because they work with disruptive and exciting technology. As a result, there is a high increase in job opportunities for blockchain developers. Blockchain developers are hired by employers such as industries, tech firms, startups and even governments of nations. Pursuing a career as a blockchain developer can be a great choice and it offers promising opportunities. Additionally, blockchain developers have vast opportunities for continuous learning and growth because of the evolution of blockchain technology.

Blockchain development refers to the process of designing, managing, and creating blockchain systems and applications. Generally, the goal is to use the unique characteristics of blockchain technology to address problems and generate opportunities. Starting a career as a blockchain developer opens up a variety of job opportunities and positions. You can work in roles such as a blockchain architect, smart contract developer and consultant. Additionally, you can even launch your own blockchain business.

In this piece, I will walk you through the steps to take when pursuing a career as a blockchain developer.

How to Become a Blockchain Developer

1. Gain a Bachelor’s Degree

   Firstly, you should start by earning a bachelor’s degree. You can pursue a degree in areas such as computer science, information technology or mathematics. This will give you a foundational knowledge in computer science and technology. Additionally, it will enable you to have the skills to stand out as a professional in formal settings.

2. Understand the fundamentals of Blockchain

   You must know the basic concepts and terminologies of blockchain. This is very important because it provides the foundation of everything you need to know as a blockchain developer. Therefore, you need to gain a deeper understanding of them before starting your career as a blockchain developer.

3. Build Technical Skills

   To become a blockchain developer, you must have a strong grasp of technical skills. Firstly, you should have a solid understanding of programming languages. You should learn programming languages such as Solidarity, Go and Javascript. Additionally, you should be proficient in algorithms, data structures, and databases. You should also be familiar with cryptography and network security.

4. Gain Practical Experiences

   You must develop a strong portfolio of blockchain development projects. This will showcase your skills and abilities to prospective employers. Therefore, you need to gain practical experience to be able to do that. You can gain experiences through ways such as contributing to open-source blockchain projects and participating in hackathons. Additionally, you can develop your blockchain apps.

5. Networking

   Developing a professional community in the blockchain space can help in growing your career. Additionally, you will be able to connect with other developers and gain access to experts for mentorship. Therefore, you can network by engaging in online forums and attending blockchain events.

6. Obtain Certifications

   Getting certified in a particular blockchain technology can make you stand out in the competitive job market and show potential employers your level of expertise. Additionally, earning certifications can assist you in staying current with best practices and the newest advancements in the quickly developing field of blockchain technology.

7. Stay up to date

   Blockchain technology is constantly evolving. Therefore, you need to stay updated with the trends and current changes in this field. This is important for your success as a blockchain developer.

Popular Certifications to Obtain in Blockchain Development

1. Certified Blockchain Developer (CBD)
2. Hyperledger Fabric Administrator Certification
3. Certified Corda Developer (CCD)
4. Ethereum Developer Certification
5. ConsenSys Developer Certification

Online Resources to learn from

1. Udemy
2. Coursera
3. GitHub
4. BlockChain Council
5. Solidarity Documentation
6. Hyperledger Fabric Documentation
7. Ethereum Documentation

Types of Blockchain Developers

1. Blockchain Protocol Developer

   Blockchain Protocol Developers work on developing and optimising the blockchain infrastructure. Additionally, they create consensus algorithms, network protocols, and other essential elements that enable the blockchain network to operate.

2. Blockchain Integration Developers

   The main goal of blockchain integration developers is to incorporate blockchain technology into already-in-use programs and systems. Therefore, they strive to guarantee that the blockchain network can communicate with other platforms, like databases and APIs.

3. Smart Contract Developers

   They specialise in creating code for self-executing contracts that run on blockchain networks.

4. Blockchain Application Developers

   Blockchain Application Developers create decentralised applications (dApps) that run on blockchain networks. They use programming languages such as JavaScript and React to build user interfaces that interact with the blockchain network.

5. Blockchain Security Developers

   These developers are experts in guaranteeing the safety and soundness of blockchain networks. Additionally, they also identify the network’s flaws and vulnerabilities.

Universities in Africa that Offer Computer Science

1. Cairo University, Egypt
2. University of Cape Town, South Africa
3. Alexandria University, Egypt
4. University of Ibadan, Nigeria
5. North-West University, South Africa
6. University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin
7. University of Nigeria. Nigeria
8. Minia University, Egypt
9. Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
10. University of Monastir, Tunisia
11. Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
12. Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria
13. University of Ilorin, Nigeria
14. Durban University of Technology, South Africa
15. University of Mauritius, Mauritius
16. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
17. Benha University, Egypt
18. University of Nairobi, Kenya
19. University of Ghana, Ghana
20. Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
21. Makerere University, Uganda
22. University of Lagos, Nigeria
23. University of Khartoum, Sudan
24. Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Morocco
25. Rhodes University, South Africa
26. University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
27. Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria
28. Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa
29. Tunis University, Tunisia
30. University of Calabar, Nigeria
31. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria
32. Jimma University, Ethiopia
33. University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
34. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria
35. Mohammed V University, Morocco
36. University of Gondar, Ethiopia
37. University of Dschang, Cameroon
38. Egerton University, Kenya
39. Covenant University, Nigeria
40. University of Sousse, Tunisia

In Conclusion, becoming a blockchain developer can be a rewarding career choice. This career brings high earning potential, the chance to acquire more knowledge and the ability to influence technological innovation. Therefore, to become successful in this career, you should keep up with the latest trends, develop your skills and explore the blockchain industry.

Good luck!

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