How can Web2 developers enter Web3?
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How can Web2 developers enter Web3?
Understand blockchain fundamentals, explore blockchain applications, then choose a direction to specialize in based on your interests.
Navigating Web3 tides with focused insightsAuthor: Tiny Bear
AI and Web3 are two of the few fields currently seen as having immense potential. Web3 offers relatively high salaries, numerous remote positions, and global employment opportunities, which is why many Web2 developers are eager to transition into Web3.
One of the biggest challenges in learning Web3 development is not knowing where to start. After more than a decade of evolution, Web3 has grown increasingly broad, with many interdependent components that leave aspiring developers confused about where to begin and what to focus on.
I entered Web3 in 2017, working in smart contract development, technical evangelism, and continuously tracking blockchain technology advancements. Based on my understanding of the entire Web3 landscape, I’ve created this learning roadmap to help provide clarity and direction for those starting out.
This article serves as an explanation of the learning roadmap. The roadmap itself is interactive [1], allowing you to click the small arrow next to unfamiliar terms to view definitions on the right.
In the roadmap, I divide Web3 learning into several stages: understanding blockchain fundamentals, exploring real-world blockchain usage, and then choosing a specialization based on personal interest.
Newcomers to Web3 development should avoid trying to learn everything at once. Instead, make deliberate choices and focus deeply on one area. This prevents getting lost and makes progress easier to track.
Understand Blockchain Fundamentals
The technology behind blockchain is still rooted in traditional computer science. To work in Web3 development, mastery of databases, data structures, computer networks, and programming languages remains essential.
However, blockchain’s decentralized operating model can be difficult to grasp initially—not just because of technical complexity, but also due to its embedded social philosophy.
From a purely technical standpoint, it's hard to understand why BTC supply is capped at 21 million. One might think: "Can't we just modify the code?"
If you can answer that question, you're already close to understanding the core concepts of blockchain—what it is and how it works.
Understanding blockchain’s utility—why it matters and which use cases require it—is a process that deepens over time.
Blockchain still faces many challenges today, but overall, it’s a technology that strengthens individual sovereignty while enabling more transparent group collaboration.
I often see learners comparing Web2 strengths against Web3 weaknesses. When studying new technologies, it’s important to stay open-minded to absorb more effectively.
The impact of blockchain is less immediate than AI, making it easy to underestimate its value.
Explore Blockchain Usage
After gaining foundational knowledge, get hands-on experience with real blockchain applications. For example, use a wallet [2] app to create your own account. If possible, hold some cryptocurrency (there's a barrier to entry, though testnet tokens can offer partial experience—but real money creates a different kind of engagement).
Experience signing transactions, using blockchain explorers, and observing how transactions are packaged into blocks.
Different blockchains have varying transaction speeds. Use this to explore different consensus mechanisms and understand their trade-offs between decentralization, security, and efficiency.
If it interests you, try out DEX asset swaps, NFT trading, and DAO governance.
Compared to Web2, key differences in Web3 applications include: your assets belong solely to you (any information can be considered an asset), and only your private key signature can control them—no one else can seize them. Another difference: Web3 apps are typically open-source, allowing everyone to participate equally under transparent rules.
If you believe in Web3’s value and significance, consider joining its ecosystem as a builder.
Choose Your Direction
This article focuses primarily on technical paths (though Web3 projects also involve community operations, which are interesting but beyond our scope here).
If you have strong theoretical or academic inclinations, or enjoy exploring novel ideas, you may prefer research—such as cryptography, consensus algorithms, scaling solutions, or token economics—often requiring reading extensive English-language papers.
Development paths fall into two main categories: blockchain development and application development.
Blockchain Development
Blockchain development demands higher technical skills and commands higher salaries, though job demand is lower than for application development. As the ecosystem expands, demand for application developers will grow, while blockchain development stabilizes. Opportunities for new chains are limited, so this path suits those passionate about low-level systems.
Blockchain developers can build new chains or work on Layer 2/3 scaling solutions:
Building new chains—typically Layer 1—involves mastering these tools:
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Geth: Ethereum node software implemented in Go, widely used for developing and customizing EVM-compatible chains.
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Reth: A Rust-based Ethereum client offering high-performance alternatives.
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Substrate: A Rust-based framework for building customizable blockchains, developed by Parity. Widely adopted in Polkadot and also used for independent chains.
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Cosmos SDK: A modular blockchain development framework in Go. Most new chains compatible with the Cosmos network are built using Cosmos SDK.
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Some chains are also built using Move VM or Solana VM.
Layer 2 scaling or Layer 3 app-specific chains
Mainchain capacity limitations—especially on Ethereum and Bitcoin—prevent mass adoption. Layer 2 moves some transactions off the main chain (to L2), while L1 only verifies execution results. Layer 3 chains are often customized for specific applications. Developers should understand:
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OP Stack: Optimism’s Layer 2 framework, the most widely used in Ethereum’s L2 ecosystem.
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Polygon CDK: Polygon’s chain development kit supporting flexible scaling options like Validium and zkRollup.
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StarkEx: StarkWare’s ZK-STARK-based Layer 2 scaling solution. Similar ZK approaches include Matter Labs’ (behind zkSync) ZK Stack.
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Arbitrum Stylus (successor to Arbitrum Nitro) and Arbitrum Orbit: Layer 2 and Layer 3 scaling solutions from Arbitrum. Stylus enables multi-language execution environments.
Modular blockchains are another important concept—breaking monolithic chains into specialized layers solving distinct problems, sometimes handled by separate chains. The four layers are:
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Execution Layer: Handles smart contract execution, similar to Ethereum’s EVM. Layer 2s often serve as execution layers.
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Settlement Layer: Finalizes transactions and ensures asset security and validity.
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Consensus Layer: Ensures agreement among nodes on transaction order.
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Data Availability (DA): Guarantees data is correctly stored and accessible. Used in Layer 2 validation. Examples include EIP-4844 with Blobs, AnyTrust, EigenDA, Avail DA, Celestia, and NearDA.
A growing trend is integrating zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP) into blockchains—for transaction execution proof (e.g., zkRollup, applicable both at L2 and L1), storage state verification enabling lightweight or stateless clients for better decentralization, and privacy-preserving transactions.
For beginners aiming at blockchain development, I recommend learning Go and studying Geth and OP Stack. Explore other frameworks based on needs and interests.
The above Layer 2 discussion mainly reflects Ethereum’s perspective. Recently, Bitcoin scaling has attracted significant attention. Approaches include (state) channel-based and sidechain-based solutions. The former inherits stronger Bitcoin security but lacks programmability—examples include Lightning Network combined with RGB and RGB++ client-validation models. The latter sacrifices some security (e.g., cross-chain via MPC) but enables richer programmability. Hybrid models also exist.
Bitcoin scaling remains experimental. If you’re a Bitcoin believer, keep a close eye on developments.
Application Development
For application development, deep knowledge of underlying blockchain mechanics isn’t required, but understanding each chain’s characteristics—like performance and degree of decentralization—is crucial.
For instance, social or gaming apps need high-performance base layers, whereas high-value DeFi applications prioritize decentralization.
You should also evaluate supported programming languages, ecosystem activity, and developer incentives—all affecting development effort and user acquisition cost.
Similarly, job seekers should note: more active ecosystems mean more opportunities—but also stiffer competition.
Selecting the right base layer is vital for app success. Most apps build on one or a category of chains, though infrastructure apps—wallets, cross-chain bridges, oracle price feeds—often support multiple chains.
Choose the Right Ecosystem
A brief comparison of major ecosystems for reference:
Bitcoin: Has the largest consensus and capital base, but limited scripting capability. Few applications can run directly on Bitcoin; many rely on indexers or client-side validation. The ecosystem is immature but potentially full of opportunities.
EVM Ecosystem: Includes Ethereum and numerous EVM-compatible chains (including Tron). Some BTC Layer 2s are also EVM-compatible. These share the same programming model using Solidity for smart contracts. Rich application ecosystem, mature tooling, and abundant learning resources.
Solana: Experienced strong growth over the past year, ranking second in ecosystem size—though still far behind EVM. Known for high throughput and fast finality. Contracts written in Rust, presenting a steeper learning curve.
TON: Backed by Telegram’s massive user base, recently gaining traction. Offers high performance. Smart contracts mainly use Func. Still early-stage with incomplete tooling and fewer development resources.
Other ecosystems include Move (Sui/Aptos), Starknet, ICP, AO/AR—each with unique advantages but currently less popular.
This reflects current conditions; all ecosystems evolve dynamically with distinct cultural traits. Choose based on your preferences.
For beginners, I recommend starting with the EVM ecosystem—rich documentation and stable environment.
Smart Contract Development
Compared to traditional web apps, Web3 shifts much backend logic onto smart contracts running on-chain (some logic also moves to frontend—see next section), eliminating reliance on centralized servers.
Not all Web3 apps involve contract development—examples include wallets, exchanges, and on-chain data services. When building these, you’ll need to know how to interact with contracts—covered below.
In the EVM ecosystem, Solidity is the dominant language for Ethereum smart contracts—and a must-learn. Yul, the assembly-like language for contracts, is optional for advanced study.
Solana, TON, Move, and others use their own languages—we’ll cover them separately in future discussions.
For Solidity IDEs, beginners should start with online Remix IDE. In actual projects, VS Code + development frameworks are standard. Frameworks streamline compilation, deployment, and testing. Foundry is recommended (excellent for testing), followed by Hardhat.
When developing contracts, learn common Token/NFT standards like ERC20, ERC2612, ERC721, ERC1155. Leveraging existing components ("wheels") is good practice. OpenZeppelin is a widely used smart contract library implementing various standards—reducing workload and improving security.
Always follow standards when writing contracts—a key difference from Web2. Web2 apps usually call internal APIs; smart contracts are public and meant to be called by anyone. The more they're used, the greater their value. Standards make integration easier for others.
Advanced Contract Development
Solidity is easy to start with, but becoming an excellent contract engineer requires mastering many skills: optimizing gas costs, using Create2 to precompute contract addresses, understanding low-level call and delegatecall mechanisms, learning contract upgrade patterns, applying off-chain signatures to reduce user fees, using Merkle trees to minimize on-chain storage, recognizing common security vulnerabilities, understanding DAO governance models, grasping account abstraction, and leveraging oracles to fetch off-chain data.
Additionally, DeFi (decentralized finance) is currently Web3’s most important application area. Familiarity with financial concepts, common DeFi protocols, and mechanisms like flash loans opens up more opportunities.
Frontend & Backend for Web3 Apps
Smart contracts act as the backend. A good Web3 user experience still requires frontend development. Since users self-custody assets, frontends must integrate with wallets for interaction.
Web3 backends often function as caching layers. On-chain data isn’t structured like database records, making queries inefficient. Adding a backend cache improves UX.
There are now many specialized on-chain data providers. With vast amounts of open data available, this presents a great opportunity for those interested in big data.
When building Web3 frontends, learn common wallet integration methods—supporting MetaMask, WalletConnect, Web3Modal, etc. Frontend-chain interactions are typically handled via libraries like Viem, Ethers.js, or Web3.js—these wrap RPC services provided by blockchain nodes. The frontend uses a node’s RPC URL to determine which chain to interact with, and ABI plus contract address to specify which function to call.
Web3 backends mainly handle data processing—like scanning blocks and extracting event logs from specific contracts. Interaction methods resemble frontend ones, but vary by backend language. Common libraries include go-ethereum for Go, and Viem/Ethers.js for Node.js. Get comfortable with these.
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