How can non-developers quickly enter the crypto space? From understanding technology to developing敏锐ness
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How can non-developers quickly enter the crypto space? From understanding technology to developing敏锐ness
This bull market will attract more talent to enter the blockchain field.
Navigating Web3 tides with focused insightsAuthor: shubit | Echo
Translation: TechFlow
For non-developers, entering the blockchain space is often full of challenges. This emerging field has yet to establish a clear career path, and mentors are relatively scarce.
Looking back on my career, I've been fortunate to take on various roles in both Web2 and Web3 startups. Through these experiences—filled with trial and error—I’ve accumulated valuable insights and built connections with individuals who inspired me and deepened my understanding. I’ve come to realize that while non-developers don’t need to master technical details, a conceptual grasp of core blockchain mechanisms is essential.
This guide compiles lessons I’ve learned along the way, and I hope it helps other non-developers find their footing and grow professionally within the blockchain space.
Based on my experience, professional development in blockchain typically unfolds across three stages:
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Understanding the technology
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Understanding the market
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Developing taste
If you're involved in trading, mastering the market (Stage 2) combined with foundational knowledge of technology (Stage 1) can give you an edge. However, if you’re building projects or aiming to develop applications in blockchain, understanding the technology is crucial—otherwise, it’s difficult to truly understand the market. If technology feels overwhelming, focus first on grasping core concepts so you can gradually see the bigger picture.
As your understanding of blockchain deepens, following key thought leaders and tracking trends on platforms like X will become increasingly important. Think about how to approach similar challenges or opportunities differently. Observe how blockchain projects operate—and how companies in other industries manage business and branding—to help shape your own unique style and perspective.
The third stage, developing taste, is about cultivating discernment, which I believe is a lifelong journey. Study the growth trajectories of successful startups and learn from large tech companies. Explore brands in industries like fashion, music, and design—practical insights from these fields are often highly transferable. While pure art may seem abstract, advertising and industrial design contain rich practical wisdom.
Today, I want to offer guidance for those looking to enter this space—or already in it but feeling lost when faced with blockchain technology.
Below are key topics to consider at each stage, starting with understanding the technology.
Bitcoin
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Background and origins: Understand why Bitcoin was created and the context behind its development.
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Proof-of-Work (PoW): Learn how PoW works and its critical role in securing the network.
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Nodes and full nodes: Study the role of nodes in the Bitcoin network and the difference between regular and full nodes.
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51% attacks: Grasp the concept of 51% attacks and their significance for blockchain security.
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Halving cycles: Understand Bitcoin halving events and their impact on the ecosystem.
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UTXO (Unspent Transaction Outputs): Understand the UTXO model and how it shapes Bitcoin's transaction system.
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SHA-256: Learn about the SHA-256 cryptographic algorithm and its use in Bitcoin.
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Decentralization: Explore why Bitcoin is decentralized and what this foundational trait means.
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Use cases: Examine Bitcoin’s real-world and potential applications across different scenarios.
After mastering these Bitcoin fundamentals, move on to Ethereum as the next foundation.
Ethereum
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Background and origins: Understand the motivations behind Ethereum’s creation and how it extends Bitcoin’s capabilities.
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Supply model differences: Compare Ethereum’s and Bitcoin’s token supply models and understand the reasoning behind them.
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Smart contracts: Study the concept of smart contracts and their importance in the Ethereum ecosystem.
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Proof-of-Stake (PoS): Learn how PoS functions as an alternative to PoW and its implementation in Ethereum.
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The Merge (transition from PoW to PoS): Explore why Ethereum transitioned from PoW to PoS and what it means for the network.
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ERC standards (ERC721, ERC1155): Familiarize yourself with these standards and their role in token creation.
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The DAO incident: Study the DAO hack, the resulting split into Ethereum and Ethereum Classic, and reflect on the “code is law” philosophy.
Prominent dApps
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Automated Market Makers (AMMs): Understand the concept of AMMs and how Uniswap uses them.
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Versions V1, V2, V3: Overview of Uniswap’s versions and their innovations.
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Impermanent loss: Understand impermanent loss and its impact on liquidity providers.
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Liquidity provision and trading: Learn how to provide liquidity and trade on Uniswap.
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Stablecoin-focused AMM: Understand Curve’s specialization in stablecoins and what makes it unique.
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Versions V1, V2, V3: Learn the differences between Curve’s versions and their significance.
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Overview of @yearnfi, @aave, and @compoundfinance: Gain basic familiarity with these related protocols.
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veCRV tokenomics: Study Curve’s veCRV model and its role in governance.
MakerDAO (@SkyEcosystem)
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DAI issuance model: Understand how DAI is generated within the MakerDAO system.
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$MKR tokenomics and governance: Understand the role of MKR and MakerDAO’s governance structure.
NFT Ecosystem
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Blue-chip NFTs and holder profiles: Study major NFT projects such as:
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BAYC evolution and Ape Chain: Track BAYC’s development and the launch of Ape Chain (@apecoin), if relevant.
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@opensea vs. @blur_io royalty debate: Understand the controversy around royalties in the NFT marketplace.
L2: @arbitrum and @Optimism
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Layer 2 solutions: Understand why Layer 2 (L2) solutions were developed.
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Optimistic Rollup vs. ZK Rollup: Learn about these types of rollups and their differences (if necessary).
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Arbitrum Orbit, L3, and app chains: Understand how Arbitrum’s L3 model supports scalable, application-specific chains.
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OP Stack and Superchain: Explore the role of OP Stack in building a scalable and interconnected Superchain.
Solana
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Transactions per second (TPS): Understand the meaning and importance of TPS.
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Solidity vs. Rust: Compare these two programming languages and their use cases.
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EVM vs. SVM: Learn the fundamental differences between Ethereum and Solana Virtual Machines.
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Impact of low gas fees: Understand how low fees affect dApps and user behavior on Solana.
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Solana’s relationship with FTX: Review the impact of the FTX incident on Solana.
Prominent dApps
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DEX aggregators: Understand what DEX aggregators are and why they matter.
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JLP (Jupiter Liquidity Pool): Grasp the basics of JLP.
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Mobile user experience: Consider the importance of mobile-friendly interfaces in DEXs.
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Tokenomics: Get familiar with STEPN’s move-to-earn model.
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Ponzi accusations: Understand why STEPN was criticized as a Ponzi scheme and the consequences.
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Earn model: Form your own view on the pros and cons of “earning” models.
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Fair launch concept: Understand the idea of fair launches in crypto.
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Pump.fun functionality: Gain a basic understanding of how it works.
Emerging L1 Platforms
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Rust vs. Move: Compare Rust and Move, focusing on their strengths, weaknesses, and use cases in blockchain development.
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@Aptos, @SuiNetwork, @monad_xyz, and @berachain: Explore each platform’s core features and technical narratives, focusing on their unique approaches and differences.
Bitcoin Ecosystem
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BRC-20: Understand the basic concept of BRC-20 tokens.
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OP_CAT: Learn the basics of OP_CAT and its implications.
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Runes: Familiarize yourself with Runes and their role in the Bitcoin ecosystem.
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Bitcoin Layer 2s: Study the motivations behind Bitcoin L2 development.
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@babylonlabs_io: Understand Babylon’s core principles and its role in the Bitcoin ecosystem.
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BTC holder profiles: Analyze different types of BTC holders and, where possible, compare them with typical ETH, SOL, and other L1 holders.
I firmly believe this bull market will attract more talent into blockchain, and I feel now is the perfect time to write this guide—I sense I’m finally embarking on something meaningful. I’ll return with more market insights.
Looking forward to the industry’s growth and eager to contribute my part. Let’s keep pushing forward—welcome more great minds to join us!
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