In this article:
#1 — What is Solana blockchain?
#2 — What do Solana developers do?
#3 — The Comprehensive Solana Developer Roadmap
#4 — Rust + Solana Development for Beginners
#5 — Rust + Solana Advanced Development
Solana developers are in great demand today. Many Web2 developers are moving to Web3 with the help of Solana. This way of moving from Web2 to Web3 has its advantages and disadvantages. This article discusses the Solana developer roadmap for 2022 and how to learn Solana development at home as a beginner.
What is Solana blockchain?
The Solana blockchain uses the PoS (Proof of Stake) consensus algorithm. Its exceptional transaction processing speed derives from the PoH (Proof of History) solution, a groundbreaking mechanism that accelerates time synchronization among nodes by establishing a verifiable Proof of History. The Leader Schedule for validator nodes and the Turbine and Gulfstream data transfer protocols synchronize the interaction between nodes. This solves the problem of orphan blocks typical for other blockchains, including Ethereum, and reduces block mining time to 0.4 seconds.
The acceleration of synchronization between nodes in the Solana blockchain makes it fast enough to compete with complex centralized systems. Other innovations in this ecosystem include archivers that perform distributed data storage and optimized transaction recording via Cloudbreak. Solana blockchain nodes are rewarded for processing transactions in the utility token SOL. Unlike other PoS blockchains, it has no restrictions in the form of a minimum number of coins needed to create a node.
You can dive deep into the Solana blockchain with our other article, "What you should know about Solana Development"
While some developers express concerns about the demanding nature of Solana's roadmap due to its relative novelty, the ecosystem benefits from a robust and collaborative community.
Moreover, the ecosystem is constantly working on expanding educational materials for Solana's development. It encourages experts to create courses and conduct webinars and meet-ups. Solana guys even organize Solana hackathons twice a year.
Useful Terms:
- Decentralized digital ledger: A secure and distributed system for recording transactions.
- PoS (Proof of Stake) algorithm: A consensus method based on validators' stake.
- High-speed processing: Swift handling of transactions.
- PoH (Proof of History): Chronological event proof for node synchronization.
- Leader Schedule: Mechanism assigning validators to create blocks.
- Turbine and Gulfstream: Data transfer protocols for node interaction.
- Node: A participant in a blockchain network that maintains the network's security and processes transactions.
- Orphan blocks: Valid blocks not added due to consensus issues.
- Archivers: Enable distributed data storage.
- Optimized transaction recording: Efficient transaction processing.
- Cloudbreak: Protocol enhancing transaction recording.
- Utility token SOL: Native cryptocurrency for transactions.
- Minimum node coins: Entry requirement for nodes.
What do Solana developers do?
The responsibilities of Solana developers depend on their experience. They must know Rust, the basics of Web3, Solana Frameworks like Anchor, Solana Developer Tools like Sealevel, and front-end frameworks like React.
Junior Solana developer responsibilities include:
- Working tightly within a team of other engineers to turn technical vision into Solana programs
- Interaction with the blockchain (UI and wallet)
- Writing high-quality, well-tested code
- Building, testing, and shipping customer-facing features/products
- Iterate quickly based on product and user feedback
Senior Solana developer responsibilities include:
- Playing a key role in architectural and design decisions, building an efficient solution considering the limitations of the Solana blockchain
- Proactively researching a wide range of edge blockchain technologies that are relevant to the project
- Facilitating research and development processes
- Writing scalable, robust, testable, efficient, and easy-to-maintain code
- Following the latest security best practices
- Mentoring junior engineers and doing active code reviews
- Automating tasks through appropriate tools and scripts
- Documenting development phases and monitoring systems
Solana's popularity is rising, and its scope is expanding rapidly, finding utility across many industries. It is the bedrock for diverse projects spanning finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and supply chains. So, Solana developers create:
- Cryptocurrency. Like most blockchains, the Solana network allows you to launch custom tokens.
- Smart contracts. Thanks to the Sealevel protocol, Solana blockchain-based smart contracts are much faster than those on Ethereum and other blockchains.
- Non-exchangeable tokens (NFT). Creating an NFT on Solana is much cheaper than on other blockchains.
- Decentralized finance. The Solana platform makes decentralized finance applications more cost-effective, secure, and reliable.
- Corporate solutions. Solana is a great blockchain to develop a system for electronic medical records, an ERM system, or online banking.
- Other apps. Beyond the enumerated examples, Solana finds its place in many domains, from cryptocurrency exchanges and investment platforms to video games and NFT marketplaces.
The broad utility of the Solana blockchain makes it evident that its potential is boundless. However, the demand for skilled Solana developers currently outstrips supply, prompting fierce competition among companies to secure their expertise. This scarcity has prompted a migration of Web2 developers who recognize the opportunities within the Web3 landscape and choose to embark on their journey with Solana.
Useful Terms:
- Solana Frameworks: Tools and structures aiding Solana development, such as Anchor.
- Solana Developer Tools: Resources like Sealevel for Solana development.
- Edge blockchain technologies: Advanced and innovative technologies relevant to Solana.
- Smart contracts: Self-executing contracts with coded terms and conditions.
- Sealevel protocol: Technology facilitating fast Solana smart contracts.
- Non-exchangeable tokens (NFTs): Unique digital assets that cannot be traded directly.
- Decentralized finance: Financial activities powered by a decentralized network.
- Corporate solutions: Solana applications for businesses, such as electronic medical records.
- Niche projects: Specific and focused Solana applications.
