The novel nature of blockchain systems has led to a common misconception that developers must choose between working in the emerging space or the more traditional technology industry. However, sustained demand for blockchain developers in diverse industries has proven over time that the ability to create and implement blockchain-based solutions is a must-have and not an optional skill set for developers.
This piece breaks down the reasons behind the ever-growing demand for developers with blockchain expertise. Readers will also learn why blockchain development skills have become crucial and how QuickNode provides a comprehensive solution to make Web3 app building painless for developers.
Blockchain isn’t crypto
Although cryptocurrencies introduced the world to blockchains and have remained a primary growth driver, other industries are in tune with the technology’s immense potential. Research estimates that financial services using blockchain account for just 37% of the global market size of the blockchain industry. The majority of blockchain implementations is accounted for in retail-facing products, healthcare, government, travel, media, and entertainment industries.
Firms within and outside financial services adopt blockchains for diverse applications. For instance, Microsoft’s venture arm M12 led a $20 million funding round for decentralized storage solutions startup Time and Space. The startup developed a novel “Proof-of-SQL” technology to help businesses tap smart contracts for automating business logic operations.
Key thought leaders from BlackRock and Goldman Sachs have also revealed a push to bridge real-world assets, such as stocks and bonds, to the blockchain via tokenization. This single move could disrupt multitrillion-dollar industries and bring massive value to leading innovators.
The growing implementation of blockchain across multiple verticals underlines a vital truth; All crypto is blockchain, but not all blockchain is crypto. The soaring demand for blockchain-skilled developers despite a prolonged crypto winter further illuminates the rapid divide between blockchain technology adoption and the crypto market.
Blockchain developer demand (by the numbers)
Programmers who can build blockchain-based applications are in demand like never before. Digital skills assessment platform DevSkiller revealed in its annual report that demand for blockchain-skilled developers soared by 552% in 2022, outpacing demand at the peak of the recent bull market. Meanwhile, blockchain technology also topped DevSkiller’s list of fastest-growing technologies, outpacing Kotlin, Cybersecurity, Go, and Sales.
The rise in demand for blockchain-savvy developers coincided with bearish crypto market conditions and key industry players conducting major layoffs. Therefore, the reason for the increased demand is not far-fetched. The increased appetite for blockchain developers goes beyond Web3 brands hiring for new positions.
Blue chip companies and global brands are diving head first into Web3 and need savvy, experienced developers to meet their business objectives. For instance, the multi-billion dollar coffee chain Starbucks unveiled its blockchain-powered loyalty program and community experience in late 2022. Similarly, gaming giant Epic Games has embraced blockchain gaming, gradually integrating the new technology for its estimated 230 million users.
Major brands embracing blockchain create new and lucrative job opportunities for programmers who can build Web3 apps or connect existing systems to the innovative technology. Developers with such experience understand the Web3 tech stack and can plug it into the different layers of blockchain architecture.
Even so, developers with existing skill sets need more than the desire to tap into the numerous opportunities available. Developers require an infrastructure platform that helps them use their existing skillsets to tap into blockchain technology’s security, transparency, and performance capabilities.
Introducing QuickNode
Blockchain development platform QuickNode enables developers in the traditional technology space to painlessly build Web3 apps and integrate related frameworks into existing solutions. QuickNode acknowledges that the future of Web3 needs the ease of Web2 and provides the infrastructure to make this a reality.
QuickNode’s Core API is the one-stop solution for developers to connect over 19 different chains and 35 networks using popular programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, Ruby, and cURL. Developers benefit from robust documentation for creating and deploying smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) on Ethereum, Polygon, BNB Chain, Solana, Polygon zkEVM, and a range of EVM-compatible networks.
Beyond its Core API, QuickNode meets developers’ data needs through comprehensive Token and NFT APIs. The solution simplifies querying blockchain data, such as token transfer history and portfolio analytics. Developers save considerable development time using QuickNode’s infrastructure, which provides more than twice a faster response than competitors.
QuickNode supplements its excellent product lineup with a highly responsive customer support team and helpful developer community. The platform’s valuable tooling boosted QuickNode’s client base by 400% in the past year. Industry leaders such as Coinbase, Twitter, Magic Eden, OpenSea, and Adobe now use QuickNode to support their infrastructure needs. Moreover, QuickNode impeccably handled the increased client demand by expanding its workforce by at least 90 employees at a time when other Web3 startups significantly trimmed human resources.
Supercharge your blockchain development toolkit with QuickNode
A rapidly changing developer landscape defies the misconception that programmers outside the cryptocurrency industry do not require blockchain development skills. The world’s biggest corporations and brands are integrating the technology for diverse applications, hence an unprecedented surge in demand for blockchain-skilled programmers.
QuickNode is a powerful tool for developers and organizations looking to expand their skill set or leverage the power of blockchain technology. The industry-leading development platform provides a holistic lineup of solutions that makes building and deploying Web3 apps painless.
This content is sponsored by Quicknode.
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Source: https://blockworks.co/news/blockchain-development-developer-toolkit