The Future of Web Development: Exploring the Power of Web3 and Blockchain

The great historian, John Dalberg-Acton, once said a foolish man does last what a wise man does first. They both end up taking the same action, only at different times. This profound statement speaks clearly to web development and the growth of web3 and blockchain. 

Eventually, everyone will catch up, but the stage at which you join the trend will determine how quickly you enjoy the benefits and if you won’t be sidelined. Already, web3 technology is being used in more than 73 million games. So, web3 and blockchain have come to stay and you must step up to the plate on time to get an early bite of the cookie.

If you’re already curious about this evolution, let’s not keep you waiting. Here, you’ll learn:

• What web3 and blockchain is
• How web3 and blockchain have disrupted website development
• The opportunities web3 and blockchain bring to website development
• How to become a web3 developer

When you’re done reading this article, you’ll be equipped with the right information on web3 and blockchain technology and how to leverage it as a web developer or stakeholder in the industry. 

What exactly is Web3?

Have you ever thought about what happens to your data on social media? You do know you don’t have ownership of your data on these platforms, right? The implication of this is that owners of these platforms can use your data however they wish. This is one of the pitfalls of centralized systems. 

Thankfully, web3 is here to save the day. It’s the next-gen of the internet and gives users control over their digital assets. Centralized entities will no longer control Online data; builders and users will have ownership. This is such a breath of fresh air that everyone is currently inhaling.  

Web3 sets users free from centralized systems. It facilitates democratic and decentralized interactivity between users and applications. 

Recommended reading: Exploring MVPs: 5 Notable Minimum Viable Product Examples

How does blockchain come in

A blockchain is basically an online ledger of transactions duplicated and distributed across a computer network’s nodes. It facilitates transaction record-keeping and access tracking in a business network. Blockchains are mostly used in cryptocurrency systems for preserving a decentralized and secure transaction record. 

Every block in the chain has a quota of transactions and whenever there’s a new transaction on the blockchain, a record of it gets added to each participant’s ledger. When a decentralized database is managed by multiple participants like this, it is called a Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT).

While web3 provides a free environment for interaction online, blockchain facilitates the transparent and secure recording of transactions across a computer system’s network on the blockchain. 

Blockchain technology and how it relates to BTC and other cryptocurrencies

If you buy BTC on Moonpay or other cryptocurrency platforms, you already know that cryptocurrency is built on blockchain technology. As a medium of exchange, cryptocurrency employs cryptographic methods to confirm fund transfers and control monetary unit creations. 

Digital monies like Bitcoin, Litecoin and Ether are fueled by the blockchain technology. They’re tied to a blockchain that serves as their open ledger. However, while blockchain technology is best known for cryptocurrency systems, it can be used for data preservation in any industry.

Recommended reading: Navigating the AVAX to ETH Transition: Strategies and Considerations

Web3 and blockchain disruption in web development 

Web development has come a long way — from the days of coding everything from scratch in HTML, CSS and Javascript, etc., till now that we have low-code and no-code options. Today, anyone with basic computer knowledge can build their own website. 

With web3, web development is becoming even more decentralized. Already, we have some decentralized websites fully running on blockchain technology. This means that developers can build websites that are not owned or managed by a single entity. Instead, the websites will be controlled by a network of users. 

The future of decentralized website development is still largely undefined. However, it is certain that web3 and blockchain will change the way websites are built and managed. What matters now is learning all you can to stay relevant and offer more value in the coming days. They promise to be exciting. 

Opportunities web3 and blockchain bring to web development

Welcome to the juiciest part. Now, there won’t be so much noise on web3 and blockchain if it doesn’t hold great promises, would there? There’s a reason people want to know where and how to hire an NFT developer. Aside from giving more control to users, these technologies have the potential for other benefits. Some of these opportunities are listed below.

FURTHER READING:

1. 10 Best Web Development Companies in Germany

2. 10 Best Web Development Companies in Australia

3. 10 Modern Website Design Examples: A Complete Guide

Open-source development

Decentralized networks lead to open-source development by web developer communities. The reason is simple. The main glitch of web2 is its centralized nature, as apps were developed and deployed on a single server. Also, data is stored within one database that is hosted by a cloud service provider. This is not the case with web3; apps are developed by decentralized networks managed by peer-to-peer servers. 

Easy-to-build and easy-to-customize websites

Your job just got easier with the rise of web3. Websites will be easy to build and manage. With the integration of artificial intelligence, website development will become more intuitive. All you’ll need to do is give the program a command and an intelligible description of how you want your website to look and it will build it for you. 

Improved website data security and management 

We all know the adage of keeping your eggs in one basket. If anything happens to that basket, all your eggs are gone. However, with your eggs in several baskets, you stand a better chance of saving most of them. Likewise, the decentralized nature of blockchains makes data management more efficient in web3. 

With this new technology, your website data is not stored in a single location; it is distributed across multiple computer nodes on a blockchain network. This ensures better web application security and management as hacking and other forms of data loss are prevented. 

Seamless automation and integrations

With web3 comes easier automation and integrations. Ecosystems of programs will be consolidated into one, making access and transitions smoother. Web3 will enable websites to automate many of their processes. This will reduce their streamlining operations and the need for intermediaries. 

How to become a web3 developer?

There’s a folktale about two competitors needing a special costume. This costume belonged to a sage. One of the competitors arrived at the sage’s home and was offered food. He sat to eat first before asking for the costume. 

The other competitor came in and was offered food too, but rejected it and asked for the costume. Guess what? He was given the costume right in the presence of the first competitor, who was still eating. Moral of the story: make hay while the sun shines. 

Now that you understand how web3 affects web development and the opportunities it brings, how can you quickly position yourself to leverage the technology as it unfolds? Here are four tips.

1. Get familiar with web3 characteristics 

The first step to becoming a web3 developer is to get all the knowledge you can on web3 and how it works. Learn all about blockchains and how they work with website development. This knowledge will give you a headstart and enable you to properly position yourself for this technological evolution.

2. Master the tools of decentralized applications

Decentralized applications, also known as dApps, are apps built with blockchain technology. These tools used to build dApps include Javascript frameworks like React, Angular and Vue for frontend and Solidity, Rust and Etereum for backend. A good grasp of these tools will help you take full advantage of the emerging web3 technology. 

3. Understand smart contracts and how to build them

Smart contracts are programs stored on a blockchain. They run when certain conditions are met. These contracts automate the implementation of agreements, and without any third party’s involvement, participants immediately know the outcome. 

You need to understand smart contracts to build them. To develop them, however, you must master the right programming language. Solidity is a good language specifically made to build smart contracts easily. 

4. Practice and keep learning

To be a web3 developer, keep practicing with tools used in building DApps. The better you get at using them, the more sought-after you will be. Also, stay abreast of new developments in web3. It’s an emerging technology and updates are steadily rolling in. Getting the relevant information on time gives you an edge in the industry. 

Stay positioned to explore and enjoy the web3 era

The two jolly friends, web3 and blockchain, are transforming the tech space and they’re just getting started. In the coming years, more stunning technological advancements will occur as a result of web3 and blockchain. 

As with technological innovations, those who jump on the train will enjoy the benefits, while the naysayers and late hoppers will be sidelined. It’s up to you to decide which side of the divide you’d like to be.

To position yourself, you need to first understand how the technologies work and the opportunities they bring. Next, you must equip yourself with the necessary tools so that you can be sought after. Finally, stay abreast of developments in the industry. This will ensure you’re well-informed and ready to explore and take advantage of the technology. 

Moyofade Ipadeola is a Content Strategist, UX Writer and Editor. Witty, she loves personal development and helping people grow. Mo, as she’s fondly called, is fascinated by all things tech.