I’ve been working as a Solidity developer for years. This job is exciting yet challenging. So, what are the obstacles and rewards you can get when taking this role?
Today, I will reveal a day in the life of a Solidity developer in detail. So, keep scrolling down! By the end, you can tell if this career is the right path for you!
Overview
A Solidity developer uses Solidity, a high-level programming language, to build smart contracts and decentralized apps (dApps). These programs can also support the backend of blockchain systems.
A Solidity developer performs multiple tasks, such as creating and auditing smart contracts on Ethereum-based apps. They also turn business objectives into technical issues and communicate with clients.
Another task for these experts is to join meetings. They work with other developers and engineers to ensure the highest quality product. Sometimes, they meet with clients, too, to understand their needs and assist them with technical issues.
Generally, the developer is in charge of the entire development process. If there is any issue with the smart contracts, they will debug them to ensure security.
As a Solidity developer, I have to handle many tasks. So, if you are considering this career, let me show you what I do every day first.
Work In-Person or Remote
This job relies on technology, so I can work remotely or at the office. I prefer the first option because I don’t have to leave my house. However, this choice requires strict time management to ensure productivity.
Sometimes, my boss wants to meet me in person or communicate with clients. They should know more details about the software, and only direct communication can help.
Check Emails and Internal Communications
Since I work from home, I mostly communicate with my colleagues and clients via email. Hence, checking emails is the first and last thing to do daily.
Emails are a big part of my daily tasks. Thus, I arrange them properly by labeling each and marking the most important ones. These simple tricks are indeed life-savers as they assist me in sorting the numerous emails effectively.
Attend Meetings
My manager holds a meeting once the project starts. Then, we have weekly conference calls to ensure everyone is on the same page. And before the product release, we gather again to check each feature and test how it works.
I often join online meetings with my teammates. Constant discussions allow us to keep up with new changes and solve unexpected problems soon.
Yet, some issues can be complex, so I must visit the office to discuss them with other developers. This way, we can analyze the causes clearly and come up with the best solution.
Write Code
I develop programs in Solidity, which is developed by the Ethereum Network to construct smart contracts. Then, I use them on various blockchain platforms.
This language is quite similar to C++ and C, but it serves as a tool for Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Sounds complicated, right? Actually, it’s easy to understand, but developers need a lot of time to master it.
Solidity is not the only tool for the development process. Aside from this high-level programming language, I should be proficient in blockchain and Ethereum technology to excel in my role.
I learn about ERC721, ERC20, and other protocols, too. Encryption mechanisms also assist my job.
Review Pull Requests
A pull request refers to an event in software development. It starts when developers begin adding new codes to the project repository.
I review code updates during every pull request to determine if it’s ready for release. The immediate updates can then encourage open communication in the team and help us highlight new features quickly. Moreover, thanks to careful reviews, I can avoid unexpected problems with the program.
Deploy Code
Next, I deploy smart contract codes to two destinations: testnets and local developer environments. For this task, I need three folders:
- Contract: I keep smart contracts in this folder to check the migration history.
- Migration: I can deploy my smart contracts here.
- Test: As you can guess from the name, this folder has a testing framework to test my smart contracts using Javascript and Solidity.
Before deploying the codes, I use the testing framework to check their security and quality. Other software tools help me improve their performance. They can even identify potential problems and suggest solutions for them.
Then, I use code coverage software to measure how the tests can execute the codes. Thanks to this modern tool, I can find errors in the test cases. After that, I will optimize the testing strategy.
Learn Solidity Practices
Technology is a dynamic industry. Thus, as a Solidity developer, I must keep up with the latest trends daily.
There are many ways to remain competitive in the field. For example, I read technology magazines and blogs to see what’s new. I also join conferences to meet other experts to exchange ideas.
And you know what? The meetings I join every week can help a lot. My teammates are friendly teachers who show me new things I can use directly in my projects.
Taking online courses is a good idea, too. I’m always eager to learn new things, so spending two hours per day studying doesn’t matter.
Test New Tools
Once I find new tools, I can’t wait to use them at work. Yet, I have to test them first to ensure they are suited for the project.
So, I develop a demo version of a smart contract using those tools. Then, I follow the same testing steps to measure how efficiently they can work.
Conclusion
A day in the life of a Solidity developer comes with many challenges. But don’t worry! You can overcome them once you’ve got enough skills and experience.
Hopefully, this article can help you decide if working as a Solidity developer is a good idea. Please don’t hesitate to ask for further information! I’m eager to assist you. Thank you for reading!
