How to start your Web3 & Solidity Journey in 2024
“Mastering Web3 and Solidity today is akin to being an early adopter of the internet revolution — a chance to shape the future of a transformative technology that will redefine how we interact, transact, and build.”
Web3, the decentralized iteration of the internet built on blockchain technology, has been steadily gaining traction and popularity since 2018. As we move into 2024, the demand for Web3 developers and experts is skyrocketing, making it an incredibly exciting and lucrative field to venture into. Web3 encompasses a vast array of disciplines, from decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and more. There is a vast variety in the blockchains you can choose to learn. Some of them are :
1. Solana: Offers faster and cheaper transactions compared to Ethereum. Known for its high throughput, Solana is suitable for building scalable decentralized apps, DeFi protocols, and Web3 games. Solana smart contracts are written in Rust.
2. Cardano: Focuses on security, scalability, and sustainability, appealing to projects that prioritize these aspects, such as identity management and supply chain solutions. Cardano smart contracts are written in Plutus.
3. Polkadot: Designed as a scalable and interoperable ecosystem, Polkadot enables developers to build and connect unique blockchains (known as parachains) for various use cases. Polkadot smart contracts are written in Rust.
However, for this article, we’ll focus on one of the most prominent and widely-adopted Web3 ecosystems: Ethereum and its programming language, Solidity.
Ethereum, the pioneering smart contract platform, has emerged as a powerhouse in the Web3 space, enabling developers to build and deploy decentralized applications (dApps) on its blockchain. Solidity, a contract-oriented, high-level programming language designed for implementing smart contracts on Ethereum, has become the go-to language for Web3 developers. By learning Solidity, you’ll gain the ability to create secure, immutable, and transparent applications that leverage the benefits of blockchain technology, such as decentralization, transparency, and trustless operations.
NOTE : All of these platforms are FREE to learn from !!! 🥳
1. Alchemy University
Learn: Alchemy Univeristy
For those seeking a comprehensive and structured introduction to the world of Web3, Alchemy University (AU) offers an exceptional starting point. This 8-week course takes a methodical approach, beginning with the fundamentals of blockchain technology, such as hashing, public-key cryptography, introduction to Bitcoin, data structures for storing, and the intricacies of the blockchain structure itself. From there, students delve into the Ethereum ecosystem, exploring its storage mechanisms, accounts, gas fees, transactions, and essential frontend libraries like ethers.js.
As the course progresses, AU provides hands-on experience with Solidity. Leveraging professional tools like Hardhat, students will write and practice multiple contract examples, gaining proficiency in creating ERC-20 and ERC-721 tokens, and exploring core Solidity concepts like governance. Each week ends in a project submission, with the 8th week’s capstone project serving as a portfolio-worthy showcase of the skills acquired. AU’s comprehensive curriculum, coupled with its project-based approach, makes it an excellent choice for those familiar with JavaScript and eager to embark on a Web3 journey.
NOTE: If you are not well versed with JavaScript you should complete AU’s “Learn Javascript” course first.
2. LearnWeb3
Learn: LearnWeb3
For those seeking to deepen their Web3 knowledge beyond the basics, LearnWeb3 (LW3) offers a comprehensive “Ethereum Developer Degree” course. Structured into four sections — Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior — this curriculum builds upon the foundations established in platforms like Alchemy University. After completing AU, students will already be familiar with the Freshman and part of the Sophomore sections, which cover topics such as Foundry, an alternative to Hardhat for smart contract development. I highly recommend completing the Uniswap v1 lectures from the Sophomore section.
However, LW3’s true value lies in its advanced offerings, particularly the Junior section. Here, students delve into Layer 2 blockchains, the Ethereum Name Service (ENS), smart contract testing, IPFS, Ceramic , and even integrating Chainlink VRF into their smart contracts. The Senior section takes Web3 development to the next level, equipping learners with the skills to become truly advanced developers in this space. While LearnWeb3 may initially overlap with introductory courses, its advanced curriculum positions it as an invaluable resource for those seeking to elevate their Web3 proficiency beyond the basics.
In addition to its course, LW3 offers a vast library of mini lectures and lessons that introduce learners to cutting-edge Web3 technologies and platforms. These bite-sized resources cover a wide range of topics, from Account Abstraction and the latest Uniswap v4 protocol to Layer 2 solutions like Optimism, emerging chains like Internet Computer Protocol (ICP), and decentralized social media platforms like Farcaster and Eigen Layer. While not mandatory, these mini lessons serve as invaluable resources for developers seeking to stay abreast of the ever-evolving Web3 landscape. Students can selectively explore these resources as they encounter relevant technologies in their projects, allowing them to deepen their understanding and expand their skill set in specific areas of interest.
3. Cyfrin Updraft
Learn: Cyfrin Updraft
For those seeking to elevate their smart contract development skills to an industry-ready level, Cyfrin Updraft offers a comprehensive curriculum taught by the renowned instructor, Patrick Collins. Building upon the foundations laid by platforms like AU and LearnWeb3, Cyfrin Updraft dives into advanced topics essential for professional Web3 development.
Collins’ courses cover a wide range of specialized areas, from mastering the Foundry tool (an alternative to Hardhat) and its deployment processes, to implementing robust testing methodologies like fuzzy testing (Foundry 101 & Advanced Foundry). Learners can then choose to specialize in security and auditing, DevOps, or even delve into the intricacies of assembly language for smart contracts. These advanced courses not only impart industry-level expertise but also equip students with the practical skills sought after by top Web3 companies. His DevOps course will teach you professional techniques which will make you an industry ready smart contract developer or security researcher.
Upon completing Cyfrin Updraft’s curriculum, learners will be well-prepared to participate in hackathons, register as smart contract auditors on platforms like CodeHawks, or pursue job opportunities within the Web3 space.
NOTE: Patrick Collins’ youtube channel is how I started this Web3 journey. Along with being highly skilled and incredible teacher, he is also into the modern meme culture, making Web3 learning more fun for everyone.
4. YouTube
While structured courses from platforms like Alchemy University, LearnWeb3, and Cyfrin Updraft provide a solid foundation for Web3 development, the breakneck pace of innovation in this field causes some topics from these courses to eventually become outdated. To keep up with these advancements in Web3, we must not wait for another course to drop. Enter YouTube, the go-to source for staying updated with the latest trends, tools, and technologies in Web3.
The beauty of YouTube lies in its ability to deliver bite-sized, digestible content that keeps developers informed about new protocols, layer 2 solutions, security best practices, and emerging use cases.
Here is a list of YouTube channels that you should subscribe to after reading this article:
ALL THE BEST !!!
The world of Web3 is full of exciting opportunities for those willing to learn. By mastering Solidity and Ethereum through courses like Alchemy University, LearnWeb3, and Cyfrin Updraft, you’ll gain the essential skills needed for Web3 development. However, to truly succeed in this fast-moving space, you must commit to continuous learning and stay up-to-date through resources like YouTube. With a strong educational base and a desire to keep learning, you can position yourself at the forefront of the Web3 revolution.
