How to Become a Blockchain Developer

Want to Become a Blockchain Programmer?

If you’re a software developer and new to Blockchain, then we recommend the IBM Blockchain Foundation for Developers course that is offered through Coursera.org. Several experienced IBM blockchain developer advocates will lead you through a series of videos that describe high-level concepts, components, and strategies on building blockchain business networks. You’ll also get hands-on experience modeling and building blockchain networks as well as create your first blockchain application. The course is six (6) weeks in duration.

IBM Blockchain Foundation for Developers

The first part of this course covers basic concepts of blockchain, and no programming skills are required. However, to complete three of the four labs, you must understand basic software object-oriented programming and how to use the command line. It’s also helpful, but not required, that you can write code in JavaScript.

When you complete the course, you should understand what a blockchain business network is, how to build and model a simple blockchain solution, and the role of the developer in creating blockchain applications.

If you successfully complete the course, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. You’ll need to pass several end-of-section quizzes and a final exam that include multiple choice, true and false, and fill in the blank questions.

Please note, this course does not cover Bitcoin or cryptocurrency in detail.

Course Syllabus

Week 1 – Introduction
In this module, you’ll get an overview of the entire course including prerequisite software and hardware. You will also get introduced to IBM Blockchain. The week will consist of 5 videos, 4 readings, 5 practice quizzes and concludes with a section quiz.

Week 2 – Leverage Blockchain Benefits
This module describes the ways in which Blockchain can help you build more secure and efficient business networks. The week will consist of 6 videos, 1 reading, 6 practice quizzes and concludes with a section quiz.

Week 3 – Transform Your Business with Blockchain
In this module, you’ll get an overview of IBM and the Hyperledger Project, and get an introduction to Hyperledger Composer, a tool that helps you quickly model and build blockchain business networks. You’ll also use Hyperledger Composer to model a simple business network that transfers a car among buyers, sellers, and other network participants. The week will consist of 4 videos, 3 readings, 5 practice quizzes and concludes with a section quiz.

Week 4 – Blockchain Compressed
Take a deeper dive into Hyperledger Composer, understand its underlying structures, and use it to model a simple car auction network. The week will consist of 5 videos, 2 readings, 6 practice quizzes and concludes with a section quiz.

Week 5 – Blockchain Fabric Development & Architecture
In this module, you’ll learn more about the components of a Blockchain solution and about the roles of people who model, build, and maintain that blockchain solution. You’ll also learn to use command-line tools to build a simple application in JavaScript that queries and updates a prepopulated blockchain network ledger. You’ll also learn more about the architecture of a Blockchain network and about key considerations for developers, administrators, and network consensus. You’ll also get hands-on experience working with a sample Hyperledger Fabric network that includes two organizations, two peer nodes, and an ordering service. The week will consist of 6 videos, 2 readings, 8 practice quizzes, and concludes with a section quiz.

Week 6 – Wrap Up
A review and final quiz for certification.

Blockchain Developer Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the course material?

Once you enroll for a Certificate with Coursera.org, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.

What if I need additional time to complete the course?

Not a problem – course schedules are flexible, and course fee payments provide 180 days of full course access and Certificate eligibility. Self-paced courses have suggested deadlines, but you won’t be penalized for missing deadlines as long as you earn your Certificate within 180 days. Session-based courses may require you to meet deadlines to stay on track; but if you fall behind, you can switch to a later session, and any work you’ve completed will transfer with you

What comes with the course?

If you pay for this course, you will have access to all of the features and content you need to earn a Course Certificate. If you complete the course successfully, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page – from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. Note that the Course Certificate does not represent official academic credit from the partner institution offering the course.

Can I take the course for free?

This course is offered with a 7-day full access free trial that lets you see everything a paid subscription includes for free for 7 days. You can cancel it at any time. You can also audit video lectures and certain assignments for free without subscribing or starting a free trial. If you want to complete the course and earn a Course Certificate by submitting assignments for a grade, you can upgrade your experience by subscribing to the course. You can also apply for financial aid if you can’t afford the course fee.

Is there a refund policy?

You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. You may view the Coursera full refund policy here.

Is financial aid available?

Yes! Coursera provides financial aid to learners who would like to complete a course but cannot afford the course fee. To apply for aid, select “Learn more and apply” in the Financial Aid section below the “Enroll” button on the next page. You’ll be prompted to complete a simple application; no other paperwork is required.

Blockchain Developer Course Reviews

Again, if you want to become a Blockchain developer, then we suggest you consider the IBM Blockchain Foundation for Developers course that is offered through Coursera.org. Check it out with the link above.