My journey to becoming a Web3 developer.
January 2, 2024
Paul Simroth
In this post I go into my journey of becoming a web3 developer. I also give insights into my projects and things to keep in mind if you are on the same path as me.
- My Journey
My journey to becoming a self-taught Web3 developer.
Hi there! I am glad you are here on my blog and exploring the world of web3. In this article I want to briefly go over my journey as a self-taught developer. My goal with this article is to create an opportunity for my readers to get to know me better, to see what drives me, and also to inspire other people who have chosen the same path as me.
Originally, I created this website as an upgrade to my existing portfolio website. I wanted to showcase my skills and my projects. I wanted to create a space where I can show potential employers who I am and why what my value to them can be. From this initial version I constantly expanded and improved this website and also used it as a way to test out new skills and technologies I use for front-end development. Beyond that I recently started writing more on my website as a give my ideas a place where I can write and create more interesting and helpful content about the web3 space.
Why I started coding
As many other people, I found out about web3 and blockchain technology in general through the eyes of an investor. As I finished studying for my bachelor’s degree in history during the summer of 2020, I started wondering what I should do. Due to the pandemic and the resulting lockdowns, I spent more time at home, which resulted in me wanting to research more into investing and similar topics. I heard about Bitcoin and Ethereum during the height of the bull market in 2017 but did not invest as I did not know how to. But as I did research into different asset classes I found blockchain technology to be the most exciting. As I did not want to just throw money into the market and hope for the best, I started more research, as I truly wanted to understand it. Over the course of a couple of months this evolved into me getting more and more interested in participating in this space. But I did not know where to start. In high school I was taught a short lesson in how HTML and CSS worked, but this was part of a wider computer course and was all I knew about development. At the time I wanted to become a developer I was effectively starting at 0.
Besides my already mentioned academic background in history. While on the surface not having anything to do with web3, it still helped me in providing proper methods for research, which also helped me as a developer. I learned valuable skills and methods in that time which, I believe still shape how I work.
Getting my first experiences
So, I started doing my research on where to learn more about web3 and blockchain development. I figured I would need a way for someone to explain it to me and also help me in case I got stuck. This is why I decided to start courses at Moralis Academy. As you can see in my projects section on this website and also on my LinkedIn and GitHub, some of my projects came from this and most of my certifications. In hindsight I still think it was a good start. I started with learning about blockchain fundamentals and then moved on to learning JavaScript. Once that was done, I learned Solidity and coded my first smart contracts. After finishing some courses and getting a better understanding of Web3, I also started doing projects outside of that. I wanted to expand my knowledge especially in smart contracts and frontend development to be able to create full-stack DApps. Of course, I had many challenges to face. Starting with zero knowledge in coding isn´t the easy way. But nonetheless I managed to persevere through most hurdles in my way thus far.
Recently I again decided to venture into other fields of web3. I started looking into web3 security and recently also started checking out the courses at Cyfrin Updraft, where I want to learn more about Foundry and also Smart Contract Auditing.
If you want to see all my projects, I built so far you can see them on this website. You can also find a list of all my skills as a developer.
My Advice to self-taught developers
If you are also a self-taught developer, I have some thoughts for your way. Keep in mind that sometimes things get difficult. What possibly sets you apart from other people is your mindset. You decided you wanted to become a developer. If you are serious about it the only way forward is by always keeping your curiosity, always learning and trying to improve. In my own path I stumbled on many hurdles and obstacles where I had to simply keep going and try to find an answer to my questions. But in my opinion this is exactly what you will need and what helps you improve and understand your preferred technologies better.
Make sure to network. Get to know people in the web3 space. In October of 2023 I went so Chainlink Smart Con in Barcelona. For me it was a very eye opening event and also helped me set my own goals and find new connections in this space. This can also help you in exchanging knowledge and more importantly keep up to date with what is relevant and new in web3. Blockchain technology is still very new and things happen very quickly. If you aren´t keeping up with recent developments, this could hinder your further progress. Finding all the information can be time consuming. I myself had the same problem. Finding reliable sources of information can help you make this process easier by, for example subscribing to newsletters or YouTube channels. Keep an eye out on my blog or social media profiles. Maybe I will make a summary of some learning resources which helped me get where I am today!
Web3 and things going forward
In the ever-evolving landscape of Web3 development, staying on top of current trends and emerging technologies is not just a professional requisite but a commitment to the relentless pursuit of innovation. As of now, decentralized applications (DApps), blockchain interoperability, and decentralized finance (DeFi) are the focal points captivating the Web3 ecosystem. Developers must navigate through the intricate web of protocols and consensus mechanisms, creating an environment where trust and security intertwine.
As a Web3 developer, my journey extends beyond the immediate horizon. My personal goals align with contributing to the transformative potential of decentralized technologies. I aspire to bridge the gap between traditional systems and the decentralized world, advocating for a seamless integration that empowers users globally. But to get more people to see the benefits of web3 developers have to create solutions people trust and want to use.
The essence of Web3 lies in its continuous metamorphosis. This space is demanding a corresponding commitment to continuous skill development. Adaptability becomes a cornerstone, urging developers to cultivate a mindset that thrives on learning some things and unlearning others. The evolving nature of Web3, with its promise of a decentralized and democratized internet, necessitates a perpetual odyssey of exploration and mastery. The future horizons of Web3 are not fixed points but mutable, awaiting the touch of innovation and the dedication of those who dare to imagine and build on it.
Final thoughts
I want extend my heartfelt gratitude for being an integral part of my journey through the space of web3. Your visit to my blog is truly appreciated, and I want to express my sincere thanks for your engagement and interest. I invite you to keep an eye out for a continual stream of insights and knowledge. Stay tuned for a series of articles delving into diverse facets of blockchain technology. I am committed to sharing my experiences and perspectives on web3, shedding light on this ever-evolving landscape. Specifically, I'll focus on the technologies that personally resonate with me, providing an in-depth exploration of their functionalities and potential impact on our lives. My goal is to provide guides for newcomers and also foster the exchange of expert insights.
Finally, I once again want to thank you for being here and visiting my blog. Feel free to contact me by using the contact form on this page or via the social media platforms linked below!