Popular Programming Languages for Blockchain Development

Looking at a job in blockchain development? Or maybe you just really want to build your own cryptocurrency. Either way, all blockchain projects require some knowledge of programming languages.

There are so many programming languages out there, it is impossible to learn them all. So, if you want a future in blockchain, which one should you focus on? We have all the answers in this blog article, so keep reading.

Why Are There So Many Different Programming Languages?

Many who have looked into learning programming before were shocked at the sheer number of languages that exist. This can leave many asking why we even have so many to begin with.

The answer is honestly quite simple—just like different doors require different keys, different aspects of programming require different tools. Although some languages are reiterations of each other, and grow as web development does, some are static and therefore fall to the wayside when the type of project they are used for falls out of popularity.

All this to say, programming isn’t an exact science, and therefore, while many programming languages are similar to one another, some have enough differences to become other languages. That being said, once you know one programming language, it is very easy to pick up another, as they often feature small changes in rules which are easy to adapt to once you figure them out!

How Many Programming Languages Should You Learn?

In our opinion, more is always better. That being said, it is impossible to learn them all, so you should focus more on the ones that apply to your industry or the job you want to have. While we generally recommend everyone learn Python, after that, you should be hirable with just 1-2 more languages that apply to your field.

Find out more below about the blockchain languages that specifically apply to blockchain.

The 8 Best Programming Languages for Jobs in Blockchain

1. Rust

Rust is a general-purpose programming language, and no matter what aspect of blockchain you want to get involved in, it is never a bad idea to learn Rust. Rust is known for its high level of security—something which makes it an asset in the blockchain space. While Rust isn’t as popular in older blockchains, it is quickly gaining popularity, mostly due to the fact that it is very easy to generate documentation (something which can be a battle for developers).

Blockchains currently coded in Rust include Solana and Polkadot.

2. Go

Like Rust, Go (short for Golang) is a general-purpose programming language that can be found in a lot of places outside of the blockchain world. It’s fast, efficient, and is easy to learn—all positives. Many users claim it is easy to use because it integrates features from Java and Python, but we will let you make your own decision.

Blockchains currently using Go include Hyperledger and IOTA.

3. C++

C++ is the most common programming language in the technical field. While it isn’t specific to blockchain, it was used to code the Bitcoin protocol in 2009, which is worth something. While new projects on blockchain are rarely coded in C++ (Sharp and Go are preferred), you can’t go wrong with learning C++.

Currently, Bitcoin, Monero, Litecoin, and Ripple are the main blockchains using C++.

4. Solidity

Solidity is a coding language that is specific to the Ethereum Blockchain. While Ethereum currently holds a large percentage of the blockchain dApps, making it a reasonable language to learn, we aren’t sure if Ethereum is here for the long run. So, while Solidity can be helpful to know, unless you know for a fact you will work on the Ethereum blockchain it is probably better to learn a more general coding language.

Blockchains currently using Solidity include Ethereum, Chainlink, Uniswap, and pretty much any other project built on the ERC-20 protocol.

5. Java

Java is one of those rare programming languages that has been able to transcend the shifting sands of time, as it is still around after all these years. While Java is often considered a competitor to C++, we think it lacks some of the capabilities of the C++ language and will likely be overshadowed at some point. Regardless, Java makes it easy to port programming from one platform to another which could explain why it is still around.

Currently, blockchains using Java include NEO and NEM.

6. Vyper (Python)

Vyper is known as a “stripped-down” version of Python, meaning it uses the same syntax but is less complicated to code in. In our opinion, you should just learn Python, as then you will likely have no problem reading Vyper later on, mainly because there are some serious safety concerns surrounding Vyper.

Some of the blockchains currently using Vyper include Curve, Yearn Finance, and Lido.

7. Plutus

We are starting to get into the more obscure coding languages in blockchain. At this point, we hope you have found one or two to focus on, but if you made it here because you are still looking for your favorite blockchain, just know, like Solidity, it is only really valuable for a single blockchain—Cardano.

Of course, if that’s where you want to work, then you should learn Plutus. But unlike Ethereum, Cardano doesn’t have quite the same reach…yet. So, keep in mind that learning Plutus is a bit like putting all your eggs in one metaphorical basket.

8. C#

Last on our list is C#, which isn’t known for its blockchain projects(it is mostly used for Microsoft coding), but for the fact that it makes it easy to learn C++ and Java after learning C#. There are a few blockchains built using C# (mostly Redmon), but it is definitely one of the more obscure ones. Obviously, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t learn it, just know that it won’t be as valuable on a resume as some of the other coding languages on this list.