Solidity is object-oriented, high level, and statically typed. It supports inheritance and targets the Ethereum virtual machine (EVM)—the core of Ethereum—although it is cross-platform. Along with JavaScript, the Solidity programming language has influences from languages like Python, C++, and several others.
Solidity’s commonalities with JavaScript have contributed to the younger language’s success—both are high-level languages that are not overly complex and mirror the English language, and it is straightforward for those who are familiar with the older language to adopt.
Solidity is also constantly evolving. There are frequent new releases, bug fixes, and improvements, making for a better experience for new and seasoned Solidity developers alike.
What Is Solidity Programming?
Before diving into the specifics of Solidity programming, it is important to understand smart contracts and what they signify. These tools have been instrumental in fostering an environment where parties can facilitate transactions without the need for a centralized institution or an intermediary, thus automating the process. They are stored on the blockchain.
Smart contracts can take several forms and apply to numerous niches, such as crowdfunding, trading, voting, investing, lending, blind auctions, property exchanges, and digital identification.
Smart contracts are responsible for reconceptualizing and overhauling the nature of how we perform transactions—and that is why Solidity developers are so in demand. The language is widely considered the tool for smart contract construction and deployment. Decentralized apps (dApps) depend on smart contracts.
How To Get Started With Solidity Programming
Given the rising importance of Solidity, it’s natural to wonder how you can learn and begin to work with the language. The demand for developers who know how to use Solidity is high, so it’s a worthwhile tool to understand. It is the best way to get started with blockchain, which has more and more applications these days.
As with most popular programming languages, there are plenty of courses you can take through platforms like Udacity, Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and similar platforms. There are numerous additional resources and developer tools available, too. You can even gain certifications in this area, which could boost your chances of landing a job as a Solidity developer.
If you are a strong self-starter, you can also try learning Solidity on your own. This should be fairly straightforward if you’re already well-versed in languages like JavaScript. And if you can pace yourself and grasp technical concepts easily, you’ll have an advantage learning the language.
Of course, it’s important to remember that the learning curve is different for everyone and depends on your familiarity with other programming languages, your experience with software development, your skills, and other factors. You should also have familiarity with blockchain technologies.
There is plenty of documentation to peruse, which will help you understand the inner workings and the behind the scenes of the language.
Once you have gained an understanding of Solidity, you should experiment with projects. This is true of any programming language, of course—you need to constantly try out the language and create new things if you want to become a more advanced developer with the tool. Contributing to smart contract projects is critical to becoming an expert in the space.
The good news is that there are plenty of careers for Solidity developers, so if you become a strong programmer with the language, you will have no shortage of opportunities. And if you’re already a seasoned software developer, adding Solidity to your arsenal will inevitably make you a more marketable professional.
Solidity Developer Skills
As with most other programming languages, the Solidity programming language requires a range of technical—hard—and soft skills to use the tool effectively.
To start, you will need to have a firm grasp of Ethereum blockchain—and blockchain as a concept in general, including what it is, how it works, its architecture, and how it is important for smart contracts and well beyond that. It’s helpful if you have worked within the blockchain space and understand the intricacies of associated topics and concepts, such as cryptography and user experience (UX) design.
You should also have experience working with other programming languages, particularly JavaScript. Your knowledge of languages will make it easier for you to grasp the fundamentals of the Solidity programming language. You must be eager to learn new concepts within the development space, too.
A solid understanding and experience working within cybersecurity is important, too. All competencies related to blockchain demand a strong eye on safety and security, considering the sensitivity of the material you’re working with.
A Solidity developer must have certain soft skills and competencies as well. Among others, these include:
- Project management
- Collaboration and teamwork within cross-functional and distributed teams
- Verbal and written communication
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Risk management
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