Getting started as a web3 developer.
Web3 is an important part of the future: a vision for how the internet can work that’s powered by transparency, openness, and creativity. In other words, it’s powered by you, too.
If you’ve ever had an idea for an NFT collection or dApp, and wondered what it takes to build and scale a web3 project: we’re here to help you begin.
With this guide, you should have everything you need to get started as a web3 developer: from a foundational understanding of the technology, to a deep dive into the skills you need to embark on your next project.
Overview
What is web3?
What skills do I need to get started?
Where can I learn more?
What is web3?
The term web3 has been around for a while, but it’s gained buzz and ubiquity over the past year as a way of describing the rise of an internet built using blockchains. More on that, here. Web3 is the decentralized internet: spanning decentralized money (cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Bitcoin), decentralized identity (wallets like Metamask that give you access to your accounts, sites, and data settings), decentralized storage (distributed file storage systems like IPFS and Arweave); new types of digital assets (like NFTs), and new marketplaces (like OpenSea).
Web3 is still in its early days but it has the potential to radically change the way we interact with the internet. And that’s where developers come in. The experiences and dApps you build can have a profound impact on this emerging landscape.
What skills do I need to get started?
If you're looking to get into the world of web3 development, there are a few key skills you'll need to master.
Start here ☞ basics of blockchain and smart contracts.
Learn Solidity, the programming language used for writing smart contracts.
Work on your JavaScript proficiency. That’s the language used by most web3 applications.
Stay curious: always, always keep looped into the latest trends. We’ll share some resources on this at the bottom of the article.
What are some of the most popular web3 development frameworks?
There's no shortage of web3 development frameworks to choose from. Truffle and Hardhat are two of the most popular, while Ganache is a great option for those looking for something lightweight. Each framework has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to choose one that will fit your needs.
For example, Truffle is a great choice for those who want a comprehensive development environment, while Hardhat is more suited for those who need a robust testing and deployment toolkit. Ultimately, the best web3 development framework is the one that will help you get the job done.
What are some of the most popular web3 development platforms?
There are a number of great web3 development platforms out there. One of the most popular is Infura, which provides a robust infrastructure for dApp developers.
Some others are listed here:
Moralis allows developers to build and deploy dApps quickly and easily.
Alchemy provides a suite of tools for developers to use.
Thirdweb focuses on security and scalability.
Whichever platform you choose, you'll be able to find the tools and resources you need to build your dream dApp.
What are some of the most popular web3 development projects?
There is a lot of excitement around web3 development projects right now, resulting in a boom in web3 development projects:
Chainlink is one of the most popular, with a focus on creating decentralized Oracle networks that can provide real-time data to smart contracts.
Filecoin is building a decentralized storage network that makes use of excess capacity on users' computers.
The Palm network is an Ethereum sidechain that is dedicated to selling, purchasing, and trading NFTs that are associated with real-world and digital assets.
Got questions? We’re here for you.
Congratulations on joining the decentralized web movement! This space represents a huge opportunity for developers, and we can't wait to help you grow. To get started, join the Palm NFT Studio Discord community where you can connect with a group of developers, get the latest updates, see your work featured, and get your questions answered. We’re here for you!
Resources:
If you want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in web3, Here are some good resources:
a16z Crypto Canon is a good starting point for exploring the fundamentals.
CoinDesk is a great resource. They cover all the major coins and tokens, and they have a section devoted to news and analysis.
Coinmarketcap is another useful site, as it provides prices and market caps for all the major digital assets.
CoinTelegraph is also worth following, as they offer breaking news and insights into the world of cryptocurrency.