Things to know before hiring a Blockchain Developer
A blockchain is a digital ledger that allows users to view stored information in a fast, trustworthy digital space, thus removing unnecessary procedures. Although the technology was primarily used with the creation of Bitcoin, its uses can now be applied in every industry. The technology is fairly new (with the rediscovery of blockchains in 2009); however, with the rise of cryptocurrencies and their many applications in everyday businesses, the popularity of blockchains has skyrocketed.
How does Blockchain work?
A blockchain’s concept is simple. It distributes a database that a company, or group of individuals, control, allowing them to share information and store information in a unique manner. A blockchain will gather groups of information and hold them together in a set called a block. Blocks, however, are limited in the amount of information they can hold, so once they are full, they will attach onto a previously filled block and form what is called a blockchain. Once a block has been filled, it can no longer be edited or changed in any way, becoming a permanent part of the chain. Individuals or companies who access this data will be accessing the same information stored in all the blocks.
Types of Blockchains:
1) Public: A non-restrictive blockchain that allows anyone with internet access to sign into the blockchain platform and become an authorized user of that data node.
2) Private: A restrictive blockchain that is controlled by one organization or company, thus working on a closed network.
3) Hybrid: This takes concepts from both public and private blockchains. It allows an organization to control whoever accesses their data as well as what data they access.
4) Consortium: Similar to a hybrid blockchain, consortium-type blockchains allow multiple organizations to access and collaborate on any data on a decentralized network.
Blockchain Developers: types and responsibilities.
Core Blockchain Developers: Focus on the development of the architecture for the blockchain system. They build and design the foundations, protocols, and other high-level assets that are involved in blockchain technology.
Blockchain Software Developers: Blockchain Software Developers are the people who handle the ‘front end’ of the applications. They use the foundations and architecture set in place by the Core Blockchain Developers to build applications as well as maintain those blockchain applications.
Some general blockchain developer responsibilities are:
· Working with companies to figure out what Blockchain technologies they require.
· Programme a system or application using said technologies.
· Use the latest crypto technologies to secure all digital transactions.
· Research any new blockchain technologies as well as develop and test those technologies.
Roles or responsibilities will depend and vary based on what a company needs.
What about Blockchain Engineers?
Not to be confused with a Blockchain Developer, Blockchain Engineers share many of the same responsibilities as the former mentioned. While Blockchain Developers don’t focus on how a system is built or functions, Blockchain Engineers do. They know how a blockchain system functions and how it is built while understanding blockchain-related technologies and can visualize a blockchain system, thus needing them to be higher skilled in programming and have a greater understanding of software development.