How To Learn Blockchain Programming

Although still relatively new, blockchain is a fast-emerging technology that continues to grow, impacting not only financial services and banking but also organizations across other industries, including those involved with data, the supply chain, and real estate. Experts predict that blockchain’s market value worldwide will reach $1 trillion by 2032, increasing at a rate of 56 percent per year [1]. 

Some of blockchain’s popularity is due to it being decentralized, which means it is generally safe and secure as all transactions are documented on the chain, without the need for a third party, which can present bias and security issues. Blockchain mitigates this risk.

Its broad implementation makes it a valuable technology to familiarize yourself with, particularly if you want to pursue a career in a field that uses it. As blockchain technology continues to progress and gain in popularity, specialist jobs are emerging as more companies and industries utilize blockchain. These positions are often highly technical and require skills in blockchain programming. 

Explore how to learn blockchain programming and choose a learning option that feels right for your career goals and personal learning preferences.

What is blockchain?

Blockchain technology is a decentralized shared ledger where businesses can record information such as sales and purchases and track orders. Each block represents an asset recorded on the blockchain. Although you may link it to cryptocurrency, you can also use it for recording data in any industry, as you can never erase an entry, making it a safe and secure way to store data.

Who uses blockchain?

Blockchain’s innovative uses beyond simply recording and managing transactions make it suitable for use in a range of industries. For example, energy companies can create trading platforms to distribute renewable energy using blockchain technology. Media and entertainment companies can leverage the technology to record and verify copyright data for artists. Additionally, the education sector can use blockchain to manage large volumes of research data generated at universities and higher educational institutions. 

Data storage is costly, and blockchain offers an alternative ledger that is a cost-efficient, secure way of keeping records that are accessible and efficient. This opens up opportunities for blockchain programmers looking for a job beyond the go-to finance industry options. 

What is blockchain programming?

Blockchain technology relies on a range of programming languages. You typically will choose a suitable option based on the platform you’re using and what you’re creating. As a blockchain programmer, the language you choose to learn will depend on your job and goals, but a helpful starting point is to focus on object-oriented programming languages and building your knowledge of libraries and frameworks. 

Blockchain programming languages

Popular blockchain programming languages to master include Java, JavaScript, C++, and Python. Within the blockchain field, other programming languages are emerging as popular and innovative in certain areas, including the following:

• Solidity: Leading language for developing smart contracts

• Rust: Excels in the important elements of safety and concurrency

• Go: Excellent for beginners

Why consider learning blockchain? 

Learning blockchain can benefit you, whether you intend to be a casual user or use the technology to build a career. Blockchain programming is the foundation blockchain developers use to build and maintain the technology and applications that run on the blockchain using blockchain programming. Multiple blockchain jobs require blockchain programming skills, from blockchain developers to blockchain engineers to blockchain architects. Learning this important skill is a key component in securing any blockchain technology role. 

How to learn blockchain programming

Programming is an in-demand skill in the blockchain industry and is integral to working as a blockchain developer. As it is still a relatively new field, you’ll find multiple ways to work towards a blockchain career and numerous ways to develop and improve your programming skills. 

Regardless of how you choose to learn blockchain programming, you’ll likely find it to be a useful skill as businesses increasingly embrace it and its benefits. As organizations grow their assets and value, blockchain allows for cost-effective transactions and flow of information, as well as paving the way for how you buy and sell high-value assets using a decentralized system. The Blockchain Council predicts that by 2030, along with businesses, every individual will have a blockchain identity for their assets, offering a glimpse into how widespread the technology may become [2].

Master basic programming.

To work in a blockchain technology role, you must understand programming. Blockchain technology uses various programming languages. Rather than trying to master every language, a good starting point is to learn the basics and then decide on the blockchain programming languages that you want to progress with.

Consider starting with core languages such as Java, JavaScript, Python, and C++. You might then move on to languages such as Solidity, which is important for developing smart contracts, and Rust, which focuses on safety and security. Examples of programming languages that are trending in the blockchain industry include:

• Java

• JavaScript

• C++

• Python

• Go 

• Rust

• Solidity

• Ruby

• C#

Learn the fundamentals of smart contracts.

These digital contracts stored on the blockchain automatically take action when defined requirements are met. Smart contracts are self-executing and play a pivotal role in allowing two parties on either side of the blockchain to confidently perform exchanges without requiring an intermediary. Smart contracts also play a critical role in ensuring all sides of an agreement are upheld, making them an important aspect of a blockchain programmer’s work. You need to know how to use various programming languages to design, create, and test them, including common programming languages like Solidity, Vyper, and Chaincode.

Take an online course.

Education for a career in blockchain is often under debate, with some employers requiring set educational pathways and others preferring to hire professionals with relevant skills, practical experience, and a commitment to keeping up with trends and new technology. If the latter appeals to you and aligns with your learning style, online courses are an excellent way to learn. 

Online courses come in many forms, and you will likely find options that fit your learning style, goals, and budget, including formats like hands-on boot camps, focusing on practical learning, and online classes. For example, you might check out the Blockchain Specialization delivered by the University of Buffalo, or brush up on your general programming skills with Learn to Programme: The Fundamentals, delivered by the University of Toronto.

Whichever option you choose, it’s important to be aware of industry trends and technological advances to make sure what you’re learning is up-to-date and positioning you for the future of blockchain development. For example, the focus is currently on combining AI technology with blockchain technology. If you can learn blockchain programming in relation to AI models, you’re placing yourself ahead of the curve.

Another factor to consider when taking an online course is the industry you plan to work in. Blockchain is entering fields such as health care and retail, among others, and having domain or industry knowledge in these fields is an advantage. 

Earn professional credentials.

To get to the certification stage, you generally have to have a firm grasp of blockchain programming. Still, certifications can be a great way of advancing your skill set and validating your learning and upskilling. Certificate programs can also help boost your resume and aid you in learning blockchain-related skills and concepts. With so many options available, it’s important that you do your research and choose one that is going to excel in your learning and take your career in the direction you want to go. Some credentials to consider include:

• Certified Blockchain Expert (CBE): This credential from the Blockchain Council focuses on using blockchain for business solutions.

• Certified Blockchain Security Expert (CBSE): Available through 101 Blockchains, this certification helps you demonstrate your proficiency in threat modeling and security assessments in addition to designing secure blockchain applications and systems.

• Certified Enterprise Blockchain Professional (CEBP): This credential from 101 Blockchains focuses on the broader blockchain ecosystem, how to implement blockchain, and gaining proficiency in the tools needed to use blockchain effectively.

Read and use free resources.

Expanding your knowledge beyond simply knowing blockchain programming is important in this industry. Free resources, such as blogs, government white papers, industry publications, and podcasts, can help you grow your skills and keep up with technology advancements and trends.

Using what you learn from these and elsewhere, practice your new skills to cement them. Take part in projects through blockchain communities, contribute to open-source projects, and build your own blockchain. This can be particularly helpful when looking for a blockchain-related job, as employers typically want to see evidence of your skills in progress. 

Study for a degree.

Although not always essential, a degree can add credibility to your resume and your programming skill set. Blockchain programmers choose a range of degree options, which can be general, such as computer science, or more niche, such as a finance degree, if they prefer specializing in a specific industry. 

An important factor to consider is the minors you choose because these can really focus your efforts and build your skills in relevant areas. You might consider cybersecurity as a minor, as this is an important consideration for blockchain professionals, or a minor related to artificial intelligence, as AI and blockchain together are making news. 

Blockchain programming salary and job outlook

Blockchain programming skills and knowledge open you up to a range of career options. These reach further than working as a blockchain developer and extend your opportunities to roles such as a blockchain architect, smart contract developer, and a blockchain quality engineer. Beyond these roles, blockchain is a significant disruptor across numerous industries, with demand for blockchain professionals growing as new industries evolve to use this technology. 

As blockchain is an in-demand skill, salaries can be high. A blockchain developer earns an average annual base salary of $105,960, rising to $132,733 with additional payments and bonuses [3]. In contrast, a developer outside of the blockchain field earns an average annual base pay of $95,615, rising to $125,573 with additional payments and bonuses [4]. 

Learn blockchain and develop in-demand skills on Coursera

Blockchain programming is an in-demand skill that you can learn in a way that suits you, whether you prefer hands-on learning, independent learning, or the academic style of a degree course. If you’re just starting out, a great option is to build your programming and developer skills with an online course like the Meta Front-End Developer Professional Certificate, available on Coursera. Or, you can gain access to more than 10,000 educational options, including those on blockchain and other emerging technologies, with a subscription to Coursera Plus.

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