How to Learn Blockchain (A Guide to the Skills You Need)

Blockchain is among the most relevant and important technology topics due to a variety of factors — namely, its nearly unhackable framework and immutable, cryptographic data storage. While blockchain was originally built to support Bitcoin alone, it has since grown to address the rapid advancements in big data usage and value.

Due to its perceived complexity, blockchain can seem like a daunting technology to learn. However, with the right prerequisite skills, you can master this technology and pursue an exciting new career. Such competencies can be learned through a variety of educational options, including an immersive online fintech boot camp, a traditional college degree in an applicable field, or an independent learning path.

Read on for a closer look at top blockchain skills, as well as the promising career paths through which they may be applied. These skills include:

• Cybersecurity
• Computer Programming
• Data Structure
• Smart Contracts
• Architecture

Five In-Demand Blockchain Skills

Those interested in learning blockchain can find success by first learning industry skills such as the following:

1. Cybersecurity and Cryptography

Blockchain is predicated on cybersecurity; it utilizes communal oversight and layered digital cryptography to protect data which makes it difficult to hack or otherwise manipulate. However, even though blockchain breaches are rare, they can have consequences if successfully achieved. Therefore, working knowledge of cybersecurity is a valuable skill when learning blockchain.

Specifically, it is important to understand blockchain’s inherent characteristics as a distributed ledger technology (DLT), which is a technological system allowing for simultaneous open access and the immutable storage of data distributed across multiple entities. From a cybersecurity standpoint, this layout seems self-reliant and effective in mitigating threats, but as cyberattacks evolve, blockchain professionals of all walks must be constantly focused on supporting and maintaining a chain’s security integrity.

Cryptography, or the code-based process of preventing unwanted parties from accessing data, is another important part of blockchain security development. Developers generally practice cryptography to protect and maintain a blockchain’s data, and in doing so, they tend to employ several different types of cryptography. These include public-key cryptography (a key-based authentication system used to validate blockchain transactions) and cryptographic hashing (an algorithmic method for securely linking a chain’s block’s through hash codes). Since cryptography is such a pivotal part of blockchain security, it is extremely valuable for hopeful developers to learn its applicable inner workings before proceeding further.

Also, see our guide on how to become an information security analyst.

2. Computer Programming

Like cybersecurity, computer programming is a broad but crucial part of prerequisite blockchain development knowledge. All web developers should have at least a working understanding of coding in different languages, and in blockchain development — such experience drives nearly every aspect of network communication and functionality. Blockchain developers use their coding skills to keep pace with network demands, properly manage data security and integrity, and maintain a high level of performance to ensure smooth transactions.

See also our guide on becoming a computer programmer fast.

For these reasons, it is also key for developers to work with prevalent coding languages that are compatible with a variety of tasks. Leading blockchain programming languages amongst developers include Solidity, Java, C+, Python, and JavaScript.

3. Data Structures

Data structures are an integral part of blockchain development, as developers often work with numerous, differentiated structures and implement them in blockchain networks. A data structure is essentially any method of storing and organizing data and, in blockchain, this concept is particularly important because it can refer to the structure of a single block, a connection between two blocks, or the blockchain in its entirety.

For instance, a blockchain’s basic data structure consists of backlinked blocks connected by identifying numeric codes (known as hashes and nonces), and this system is built to transport and house data in a secure, multifaceted manner, To hack this data, one would need to simultaneously breach all blocks in the same chain — an unfeasible (and nearly impossible) feat.

Data structures serve as a natural foundation to higher-level blockchain knowledge. They represent the basic framework upon which all blockchain networks operate and are a strong gateway into more advanced topics within data storage, distribution, and defense.

4. Smart Contracts

Smart contracts are self-executing agreements, with terms contained in lines of code, and nearly every blockchain solution and interaction makes use of them. In summary, these contracts allow two members of a blockchain network to exchange data without the use of a third-party intermediary — they are built to only successfully execute once their underlying conditions have been met by both involved parties. Since a large majority of blockchain data activity is transaction- and distribution-based, smart contracts consistently play a critical role in network fluidity and transparency. For this reason, aspiring blockchain developers should become familiar with them in order to fully understand their intended work environment.

5. Architecture

Beyond cryptography and immutability alone, it is important for aspiring blockchain professionals to understand a blockchain’s full underlying architecture. In many cases, this architecture includes characteristics such as:

• Provenance: The possibility to track each transaction taking place in a blockchain ledger.
• Decentralization: The algorithmic framework allowing each member of a blockchain network to access the entire distributed database.
• Anonymity: The opportunity for blockchain users to be identified through a generated address instead of a user identity, lending to overall network security.

New blockchain developers should strive to hone their skills in building, implementing, and maintaining these types of considerations as they make up the foundation of most functional, secure blockchain networks.

Options to Learn Blockchain

Once new blockchain developers have identified the key skills they’ll need, pursuing an education in the field is the next step. There are three primary pathways to learning blockchain: bootcamps, traditional degrees, and independent learning options.

Bootcamps

Bootcamp programs are an ideal learning option for aspiring blockchain developers, as they simulate real-world industry work projects and challenges in a controlled setting. Students are able to follow a flexible, yet thorough curriculum rooted in practical instruction and hands-on learning; preparing for a seamless transition into a full-time blockchain development career. In fact, bootcamp graduates are being held in increasingly high regard within the broader web development community, according to HackerRank’s 2020 Web Developer Survey (PDF, 2.3 MB).

through an intensive, 24-week learning plan offering project-based modules on both blockchain and general fintech basics.

Traditional Degrees

College degrees in blockchain, fintech, or other applicable fields are also a common alternative. These major-oriented programs tend to follow a longer curriculum, but they can still be a successful pathway for those wishing to learn in a more gradual, communal environment. Along the way, learners may also have the chance to gain supplementary knowledge in parallel fields.

Independent Learning Options

Independent learning options, though less structured, are another viable way to learn blockchain basics. These pathways may include online courses, videos, and educational apps. Independent learners should be prepared to exercise self-discipline, commitment, and strategic organization to get the most out of their independent learning experience.

Blockchain Careers, Job Outlook, and Salaries

Salary Disclaimer

Now that we have discussed the educational pathways for learning blockchain, let’s explore the different career paths for those versed in the blockchain — many of which have promising employment outlooks and significant salaries. Here is a closer look at a few applicable roles:

Related Careers

Beyond blockchain alone, there are also a variety of related roles within the broader fintech industry.

Blockchain Learning FAQs

Disclaimer: Salary data provided by Payscale, Ziprecruiter, and Glassdoor is often self-reported by individuals and is not guaranteed to be confirmed by employers. The inclusion of this data by Columbia Engineering Boot Camps and Trilogy Education Services, a 2U, Inc. brand, is intended only to provide general insights into potential salaries for the stated fields and does not indicate a confirmation of its validity.