If you’ve been reading DevPro Journal’s series on blockchain, you may be wondering if you’re an ISV who has what it takes to be a successful blockchain developer. In our articles from Blockchain 101 to Blockchain as a Service, DevPro has been encouraging ISVs to investigate the opportunities blockchain is creating. Now it’s time to look at the blockchain developer skills that identify you as an ISV wired for blockchain success.
Blockchain Developer Skills
In any software development environment, professionals will need varied skills and specialties to fill specific roles, but here are five essential characteristics successful blockchain developers will share:
1. Programming Language Skills
It’s a given: You need to be a master at programming. But when you dig a little deeper, you’ll see that choice of programming languages will impact a blockchain’s functionality and how well it delivers on a client’s objectives. IoTCoreSoft points out it is best to choose a primary language and augment it with others for specific blockchain features. For example, Python will enable you to build a simple blockchain. C++ single- and multi-threading allow you to execute instructions simultaneously, which allows blockchain to integrate parallel and non-parallel tasks. JavaScript can provide hashing, which enables the immutability of a blockchain, and Solidity is the choice for decentralized applications. Make sure you are proficient in the basics.
2. Efficient Code Writing
Decentralized architecture requires efficient code. Blockchain is a distributed database—not hosted on one computer, but rather distributed over multiple computers, which makes it secure and always available. In a decentralized environment, inefficiencies will be even more apparent by their demand for processing power, memory, and bandwidth. Your ability to write efficiently will increase your value proposition.
3. A T-Shaped Developer
In his advice on top blockchain developer skills, IBM thought leader Khwaja Shaik says knowledge of the technical side of blockchain won’t be enough for success. You need to be a “T-shaped” person with blockchain skills (the long vertical part of the T) as well as broad, cross-discipline skills (the horizontal stroke) that include design thinking, agile, and DevOps. The T-shaped developer will excel at design, testing, deployment and ongoing support as well as programming. Let prospective clients and partners know you’re the total package, not just one-dimensional when it comes to professional skills.
4. Business-Led Thinking
There’s no getting around the need to collaborate with all stakeholders on a blockchain project. Innovators are exploring the value blockchain can bring their businesses in just about every industry. It would be risky to approach blockchain by developing from an IT perspective and then expect solutions to work by shoehorning them into specific industry applications. Solutions that will provide the most value will come from your ability to listen to what the client needs and plans to accomplish with the solution and then developing with those goals in mind.
5. Both Humble and Confident
Some blockchain developer skills that will help you succeed aren’t things you learned in a classroom. In his interview with Hackernoon, Bitcoin developer Jimmy Song explains that a good blockchain developer needs to be humble enough to realize it takes time to learn, but confident enough to know that with enough effort, you can understand anything. Draw from your desire to never stop learning and continuously improve to fuel your success.
Looking for a Few Good Developers
Does this list of blockchain developer skills describe you? Although you still may have much to learn, like the ins and outs of blockchain platforms such as Hyperledger, Etherum and Ripple and blockchain data structure, you may be well-positioned for success in blockchain.
The next step is up to you. 
