Ask HN: Anyone working in the blockchain space? Worth spending time learning?
4 comments
As a former blockchain enthusiastic, I would say do spend some time (if you can afford) to play with it as a hobby, but that's pretty much it. There is a limit the "blockchain applications" can achieve. Many successful ones have a similar form of re-interpreting a hash, e.g. CryptoKitty or crypto zombie games and even the now shinny NFT. It can be fun to work on some blockchain projects, as many exercises are like clipping a duck's wings and then figuring out how to coax it into somehow climbing up a tree.
Also the blockchain space is a big echo chamber. There are lots of fallacies that the enthusiasts are blinded to. For instance, there is the illusion of validity, i.e. confusing the correct identification of a problem (e.g. abused of centralised power) with the correctness in a proposed solution (e.g. fully removing trust). But as long as one is aware of these, it's fun.
Probably start by building a smart contract to experience the limitations (and the WTFs). Then probably move on to study ZKP (which probably can have some real-world usage)
Also the blockchain space is a big echo chamber. There are lots of fallacies that the enthusiasts are blinded to. For instance, there is the illusion of validity, i.e. confusing the correct identification of a problem (e.g. abused of centralised power) with the correctness in a proposed solution (e.g. fully removing trust). But as long as one is aware of these, it's fun.
Probably start by building a smart contract to experience the limitations (and the WTFs). Then probably move on to study ZKP (which probably can have some real-world usage)
I think that blockchain is an elegant solution to the Byzantine Generals Problem[1]. However, if you're working with a blockchain used as, or in the service of, alternatives to fiat currency without explicit government approval, there is always a risk that it will go dark. There may also be law enforcement actions designed to discourage usage, and/or make examples of leaders in the space.
If you can find a way to make a career without using blockchains as a speculative "investment", you should be ok.
1 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine_fault
If you can find a way to make a career without using blockchains as a speculative "investment", you should be ok.
1 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine_fault
Ethereum is defacto standard for smart contracts at the moment. even other chains use same EVM, syntax or similar.
Start learning solidity (~half a day for any programmer) and blockchain concepts (about a week)
and regarding price speculation - that's economy, it has little to do with development. two different things.
and regarding price speculation - that's economy, it has little to do with development. two different things.
Following.
Just wondering if it is worth spending serious time learning smart contract development etc. Is it possible to build a career? If yes, what would the learning path look like?