Blockchain technology is revolutionizing the digital world and the financial system. The prospect of learning to program these complex systems can seem daunting. However, insights from a well-known blockchain developer suggest that this journey may be more accessible than many expect.
The learning curve for those interested in programming blockchains and developing smart contracts may not be as steep as you might think.
Start with the basics
Jhony Grillet, CEO of El Aguacate Programador, told BeInCrypto about the importance of focusing on basic concepts with specific demos of certain blockchain stacks. This approach is in stark contrast to trying to cover every aspect of a large project. His perspective resonates with the broader challenge in Web3 education – the need to focus on a few core elements rather than chasing every new trend.
An important advantage that Grillet mentions is the use of well-known programming languages such as JavaScript. This familiarity provides an easier entry point for those new to blockchain programming. On Hive, even people with a basic understanding of JavaScript can interact with nodes and explore different features.
This accessibility is not always the norm in other blockchain stacks, where learning new languages such as Solidity, Rust or Go is often required. For this reason, Grillet believes that making mistakes and sharing this knowledge is one of the best ways to learn. This methodology promotes a more inclusive and less isolating learning environment.
Therefore, connecting with online communities, taking advantage of available documentation and following tutorials are also crucial.
“I think the best way to learn is to make mistakes and show communities how not to do things. Showing honesty and vulnerability makes progress in learning less of an island for most people, not just on the blockchain, but in general,” said Grillet.
He also emphasized the importance of early adopters in shaping and improving products through community feedback.
“We are the early adopters who need to be listened to. If you want mass adoption of your product, share the original product, use your community as a beta tester, listen, and then improve your product. It is a proven strategy for most products and functions in blockchain and every aspect of the technology,” Grillet explains.
Ask lots of questions
For those looking for structured learning, Web3 University and BeInCrypto’s Learn offer comprehensive programs. However, Grillet believes that the best learning experience often comes from asking questions. He affirmed that exploring the abundant content available online across different blockchain ecosystems can provide great insights.
He also advocated a more selective approach to learning, focusing on specific content at a manageable pace. Grillet mentioned the common use of JavaScript in Web3, which allows programmers to leverage their existing skills when building front-end applications that interact with blockchains.
“JavaScript is the language of Web2, it is common sense to have such a paradigm in Web3 despite the stack you choose. Plus, with JavaScript, you can use your basic knowledge to build front-end apps that use blockchain as a database, as a service, or the way your blockchain lets you use it,” Grillet said.
The increase in the number of online learning platforms offers both opportunities and challenges. While they provide a wealth of information, Grillet noted that there is a risk of students being overwhelmed by too much content, leading to a trend of people collecting courses rather than absorbing knowledge.
He believes in a more targeted approach that focuses on specific blockchain programming needs. One way is boot camp programs, which Columbia University says are an ideal learning option for blockchain developers.
“[Bootcamps] simulate real-world work projects and challenges in a controlled environment. Students can follow a flexible, yet thorough curriculum rooted in practical education and hands-on learning; prepare for a seamless transition to a full-time blockchain development career,” Columbia University wrote.
The future of blockchain education, as Grillet envisions, lies in adaptive learning paths, a prospect made increasingly feasible by the capabilities of blockchain technology itself.
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