How To Become a Web3 Developer in 2024 (Complete Guide)

Interested in becoming a Web3 developer? Now is the best time to learn! 

While Web3 is still in its early stages, many believe it will be a watershed moment in technology. That’s why there’s an increasing demand for Web3 developers. In fact, job postings for skilled Web3 developers rose by close to 400%  in the last year alone.

But before embarking on this career, there are several skills you need. To become a Web3 developer in 2024, you'll need to combine traditional web design skills with a deep understanding of blockchain technology, smart contracts, decentralized applications, and emerging protocols like IPFS and Solidity.

In this post, we’ll talk about this and more so you can determine if Web3 development is a field you’d want to pursue. But first, let’s learn the basics of Web3. 

What is Web3?

Web3, in simple terms, is the next evolution of the World Wide Web. It would theoretically be decentralized, democratic, and peer-to-peer. It will include concepts like blockchain, decentralized protocols, AI, and IoT to enable a read/write/own internet. 

There is no global definition for Web3 since it is still in its infancy but Gavin Wood, who was a prominent person in the blockchain market, gave it its name when he was asked to explain what he thought about the future of internet technology.

Web3 will represent a major shift from the current centralized model towards a decentralized future. In this regard, services in Web3 will not be monopolized by single service providers like Microsoft, Meta, Amazon Goole, or eBay anymore.

 Everyday users will have more say than wealthy corporations about how their personal information is used. It is also going to foster the internet with more peer-to-peer ties so that no single entity can exercise full control over the entire network or its services.

Gavin Wood defines Web3 as an alternate vision of the web where all contributors contribute to the network. This means that it creates equal opportunity for every player without any one of them having any unfair advantage over others.

The History of Web: From Web 1.0 to Web 3.0 

The internet is constantly changing. However, the major changes are not only experienced by websites and platforms but also in the very code that the entire web is built on. What started as static webpages have changed to immersive digital environments.

Each generation of Internet represents major shifts in technology and how users use the Web. To help us understand why Web3 is such a big deal during our age, let's take a brief journey through the history of the web.

Web 1.0

Web1, often referred to as the ‘read-only’ era, started in the early 1990s with the birth of the internet. The internet was primarily composed of static web pages with limited interactivity. Most websites were informative and, hence, were used as digital brochures for businesses and organizations.

Users could access content like text, images, and hyperlinks but with minimal ability to interact or contribute to them. Web 1.0 was characterized by one-way communication. Content creators would only publish information for users to consume passively.

Web 2.0 

Most of us have only seen the web in its present form, which is also known as Web 2.0. This is the interactive read-write web and the social web. However, the transition from Web1 to Web2 marked a significant change in the way people interact with the Web. 

When Web2 was introduced in the early 2000s, it shifted how the internet is used in the 21^st century. In the new age, there’s a higher level of sharing and interconnectedness among users. This new version allows people to actively participate in the experience rather than just being passive viewers who take in information. 

It also gave rise to interactive web applications and self-publishing platforms like Wikipedia, YouTube, and Facebook. Users on the internet to create, share, and collaborate on content in real-time. 

Web 3.0 

Web3 is the read-write-own phase also known as the Semantic Web. It’s heavily rooted in increasing trust between users. Therefore, it stands for a more open, safer, and user-focused internet era​.

Web3 is different in the sense that it aims to solve the problems precipitated by centralization through decentralized technologies such as blockchain, smart contracts, and distributed ledger technology. An important aspect of Web3 is the introduction of Web3 domains which replace traditional domain names with decentralized ones.

These domains are kept on blockchain networks and provide websites that cannot be censored or changed. That guarantees content developers the freedom of expression as well as protection against censorship.

Web3 has many features that make it distinct, among them is DeFi platforms. DeFi protocols use blockchain to build secure and transparent peer-to-peer lending and borrowing. Therefore, there will no longer be a need for traditional financial middlemen like banks. 

Core Principles of Web 3.0 

Web3 comes with major principles that promise to change the next version of the World Wide Web. These principles could potentially address most of the issues associated with Web2 and create a more open, fair, and user-centered Internet.

Data Decentralization

Web2 is dependent on centralized servers and systems for storing data. This is why individuals willingly give their personal information in return for using a platform like Facebook. However, this has all too often provided a few tech giants who dominate Web2 with the ability to collect user’s data and exploit it for monetary gains.  

These companies have had an unfair advantage for way too long. And that’s what Web3 aims to change entirely. Web3 brings a decentralized and peer-to-peer iteration of the internet with no central authority.

Creators will be able to own and monetize their personal data since they can access it only through a private key. This also means that there would be no censorship, manipulation, or theft of data.  

Decentralized Governance 

Rather than relying on hierarchical authority and centralized control as seen in traditional centralized governance structures, Web3 advocates decentralized governance models that give the community more priority, transparency, and freedom to make decisions.

At the centre of decentralised governance in Web3 are Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs) which are digital entities under smart contracts fully operating on block chain technology.

DAOs like Aragon and DAOstack allow stakeholders to manage funds, vote on proposals, and govern the organization's direction without intermediaries. These DAOs operate using smart contracts, guaranteeing transparent and unmodifiable decision-making. Regardless of geographical location or social status participants can vote on governance proposals.

Transparency 

Transparency is another key principle of Web3. The way blockchain data is displayed will have an impact on how users read the data. Therefore, Web3 users need to understand and tell where the data is coming from. 

More specifically, transparency is important because every transaction and data exchange is recorded into a secure immutable ledger that all participants can access. Transaction integrity can be checked by users who will ensure fair trading conditions are being met through transparent transactions.

Interoperability 

Web3 embraces open standards and protocols such as the Interledger Protocol (ILP) and Ethereum’s ERC standards to promote interoperability between blockchain platforms and decentralized applications (dApps). This allows people to access the numerous decentralized services and applications with much more ease. 

Advantages of Web 3.0 

Like any technology, there are pros and cons to how Web3 will affect web users. What are the potential benefits Web3 will benefit businesses and individuals? 

• Privacy. Unlike the previous generations of the internet, the decentralized nature of Web3 can give users possible privacy benefits. 
• Control. Users will be less reliant on centralized platforms and intermediaries. Therefore, they will have more control over their online identity and data. 
• Security. Web3 uses decentralized technologies to mitigate data breaches and unauthorized access. Therefore providing more security to user data.   
• Transparency. Users have more transparency into how transactions occur paving way for an economic model that is immune from censorship and manipulation.

Disadvantages of Web 3.0

Despite Web3 having many positive attributes, it also has a few downsides and risks that we have to consider very carefully.

• Scalability challenge. The current blockchain network struggles to handle large volumes of transactions which may pose a scalability challenge for Web3 applications and limit their ability to meet demand.
• Regulatory concerns. The lack of central authority makes Web3 harder to regulate. As such, it may be difficult to enforce regulations and address illegal activities like fraud and money laundering. 
• Complexity. Web3’s reliance on blockchain technology and smart contracts makes it more complex for the average user, slowing down its adoption to the mainstream. 

The Future of Web 3.0 Development 

Web3 has the potential to be the next big thing given its present direction. It can possibly make a future where blockchain technologies will enable effective communication between different networks resulting in smooth data flows. 

Moreover, web3 may see decentralized applications (DApps) becoming popular, which would incorporate decentralized finance, decentralized social media, and decentralized identity services as well. 

If everything goes according to plan, however, it does not mean that Web3 will completely replace Web2. The two might probably merge to produce additional decentralized and more user-friendly technologies but with possible shortcomings in other aspects. 

Who is a Web 3.0 Developer?

A web developer is a computer programmer who's developed a deeper understanding of computer technologies of data sharing, computers, and blockchain. These experts also need a thorough knowledge of popular programming languages like Rust, JavaScript, and Solidity. 

In addition to that, they also need to master specific dApps platforms and their technologies like the Ethereum blockchain or Solana. Back-end and front-end programming languages also aid in writing dApps for the users. 

The Role of a Web 3.0 Developer

In simple terms, web 3.0 developers write decentralized applications code, often using blockchain technologies. The key difference is, these developers use programming languages like Solidity, Rust, Web3.js, and Truffle to create smart contracts and run them.

The primary goal in this field is to manage solutions that lead up to the creation of new blockchain protocols and platforms. To that, these developers familiarize themselves with critical characteristics to create safe and efficient autonomous applications. 

And as you can see, these specialized developers need to have a solid understanding of the Web 3 essentials to even complete the daily tasks assigned to them. That's not all! To have an edge against the massive pool of other web3 developers, you have to stay updated with the latest: I'm talking about the latest technological updates, new dApps platforms, and upgrades within the system. 

Essential Skills for Web 3.0 Developers in 2024

Before anything, you need to have a deep knowledge of the blockchain dApps platforms. That includes the likes of Ethereum, Polkadot, and Solana. It would help if you also stay updated with the crypto market to learn about the latest upgrades and developments.

Another skill that will come in handy is the knowledge of web3 protocols such as IPFS and GraphQL. Proficiency in blockchain programming languages is a must. 

How to Become a Web 3.0 Developer

If you've made the decision to be a web3 developer, then congratulations. With that in mind, to simplify your path, here's a step-by-step guide to becoming a web3 programmer. 

Research Various Web 3.0 Careers

The most important part of this journey is to envision your future. That starts by researching various Web 3.0 careers. Web3 offers a ton of career paths including DeFi, Smart contract, and blockchain development. As a matter of fact, each of these fancy web3 career paths has its own set of requirements and responsibilities. 

So, before you jump the gun and immediately go for web3 developer, do some research and figure out what your future plans are. Do you see yourself as a web3 developer? Or something else? 

Earn a Degree

Hands down! Earning a degree will do wonders for your career growth and future success in this industry. So even though a degree is not a sure guarantee of success, you have to enroll for an undergraduate education that specializes in the fields of blockchain, cryptography, and distributed systems.

Many universities and colleges have undergraduate and graduate options that align with web3 technology. Alternatively, you can opt for boot camp or specialized courses on blockchain and smart contract engineering. 

Bootcamps and specialized courses offer more hands-on training with practical skills that can be directly applicable to your web3 career. 

Learn the Required Skills to Work in Web 3.0

There's no shortcut to this; you will have to have a set of skills to get breakthrough into web3 as a developer. These skills include:

• Programming skills: You have to master basic programming languages such as Solidity, JavaScript, TypeScript, and Rust. Ensure you also have expertise in Truffle, Hardhat, and web.js. 
• Blockchain fundamentals: next is to gain a thorough understanding of blockchain technology, including consensus mechanisms, decentralized networks, and cryptographic principles. 
• DeFi (Decentralized Finance): ensure you are able to understand the concepts of DeFi (decentralized finance), such as AMMs (automated market makers), yield farming, and DEX (decentralized exchanges)
• Continuous learning: finally, you have to constantly evolve and keep up with the latest technologies, protocols, and projects to remain at the forefront of web3 development. 

Career Opportunities in the Web3 Job Market 

If you are interested in working in the Web3 industry, there are different career opportunities that you can pursue.

Blockchain Developer

According to Coursera, a blockchain developer works with technologies like Ethereum, Polkadot, and Hyperledger to develop secure, transparent, and immutable systems. They play a crucial role in building the backbone of the Web3 ecosystem.  

Smart Contracts Developers

Smart contract developers are professionals who create, deploy and maintain smart contracts and related infrastructure.

Blockchain Architect 

The blockchain architects design scalable, safe and efficient blockchain networks’ architecture and infrastructure; as such your role as a Blockchain Architect is to strategize on how to integrate blockchain solutions into the existing systems and platforms.

Decentralized Applications (DApp) Developer 

DApp developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining decentralized applications. Their role involves leveraging blockchain technology creating user-friendly interfaces and seamless experiences for users interacting with DApps.

Solidity Developer 

Solidity developers are specialists in creating and implementing smart contracts using Solidity, a programming language specifically designed for writing smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. So, a Solidity developer writes and deploys smart contracts, implements tokenomics, and contributes to the growing ecosystem of Ethereum-based projects.

Where to Find Web 3 Job Openings and Projects 

Once you’ve settled on your preferred career path within Web 3.0, it’s now time to find job openings and projects that are specific to your skills and interests. There are several places where you can get some opportunities. 

Online Job Platforms 

Some online job platforms include LinkedIn, Web3 Jobs, Remote Web3 Jobs, Blockchain Jobs, Solidity Jobs as well as Web3.js Jobs among others. These websites allow you to filter available job listings by location, type of employment, years of experience required, or keywords relating to Web 3.0 technology or other positions.

Blockchain and Tech Communities 

To gain insights about these jobs and projects, you need to join blockchain as well as tech communities on Reddit, Discord, and Telegram.

Company Websites and Social Media 

Career pages and job advertisements can be found when one visits various websites or social media channels for blockchain startups, tech companies, and Web 3.0 projects. You can also follow their social media profiles on Twitter, Medium, and GitHub to stay updated on their latest developments and hiring initiatives.

Freelancing Platforms 

Consider using freelancing platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal. Create a compelling profile that showcases your skills, experience, and expertise in Web 3.0 technologies. Browse project listings or submit proposals to clients seeking blockchain developers, smart contract engineers, and other Web 3.0 specialists.

Web3 Networking Events 

Attend industry conferences, meetups, and networking events focused on blockchain, cryptocurrency, and Web 3.0 technologies. These events provide opportunities to connect with industry professionals, recruiters, and hiring managers, expand your network, and learn about potential job openings and collaborations.

How to Prepare for Your Interview and Technical Assessments 

Whether you're applying for a full-time role or freelancing project in Web 3.0, preparing for interviews and technical assessments is essential to showcase your skills and expertise effectively. 

Here are some tips to help you excel in the interview process:

Research the Company or Project

Thoroughly research the company you're applying to work with. Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, products, and recent developments they have made in the Web 3.0 space. Understand how your skills can help them meet their goals. 

Review Common Interview Questions

Prepare responses to common interview questions related to Web 3.0 technologies, blockchain development, decentralized applications, and smart contracts. Practice articulating your experience, problem-solving abilities, and contributions to past projects. 

Demonstrate Technical Skills

Be prepared to demonstrate your technical skills through coding exercises, technical challenges, or portfolio presentations. You may be required to showcase your proficiency in programming languages such as Solidity, Rust, and JavaScript. 

Study Helpful Books and Publications 

Read books that can help you increase your knowledge and provide confident, thorough answers in your interview. You can even go back and review your coursework to help with the practical application of your tech skills. 

Prepare Questions for the Interviewer

Prepare insightful questions to ask the interviewer about the company's culture, team dynamics, project scope, and future opportunities in Web 3.0. That can leave also help you assess whether the role aligns with your career goals.

Conclusion 

There you have it! The journey to web3 development isn't without its challenges. And today, the IT industry is still trying to figure out how to properly take advantage of these new tools and infrastructure. In fact, most of the current tools within the web3 ecosystem are still a work in progress. 

As such, the need for web3 developers will continuously grow, and sooner rather than later, these might be the most valued experts in the entire IT space. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Web3 Development worth learning? 

As we transition to the new generation of Web, Web3 developers have been in high demand. Therefore, now is the best time to equip yourself with skills in this field. 

What is the highest salary for Web3 developers? 

he average annual salary for a Web3 developer is between $100,000 and $240,000. However, sometimes it can vary depending on factors like experience level, location, and expertise. 

How long does it take to learn Web3 coding? 

It can take around 2 years for beginners to become professional Web3 developers from scratch.

Does Web3 require coding? 

Yes, coding comes in handy if you are interested in developing decentralized applications (DApps) or working on blockchain platforms

Is Python used in Web3? 

Despite being one of the oldest programming languages, Python is among the best programming languages for web3 development.