For non-developers, entering the blockchain field can often be filled with challenges. This emerging space lacks a well-established career path, and mentors are relatively scarce.

Looking back on my career, I’ve been fortunate to have held various roles in both Web2 and Web3 startups. Through these experiences, I accumulated valuable insights through trial and error and built connections with individuals who motivated and helped deepen my understanding. I’ve realized that while non-developers don’t need to dive deep into the technical details, having a conceptual understanding of the core mechanisms behind blockchain is essential.

This guide compiles the experiences I’ve gained along the way, with the hope of helping other non-developers navigate the blockchain space and achieve career growth.

Based on my experience, career development in the blockchain space typically unfolds in three stages:

1. Understanding Technology
2. Understanding the Market
3. Develop Insight

If you’re focused on trading, you may only need to understand the market (Stage 2), along with a basic knowledge of technology (Stage 1) to gain an edge. However, if you’re involved in project development or looking to build applications in the blockchain space, understanding the technology is crucial; otherwise, it will be difficult to truly grasp the market. If technology feels overwhelming, start by mastering the core concepts, so you can gradually gain a clearer picture of the market.

As your understanding of blockchain deepens, it will become important to follow influential thought leaders in the field and track trends on platforms like X. Focus on how you can approach similar challenges or opportunities in different ways. Observing how blockchain projects, and businesses in other industries, operate with regard to their strategy and branding can help you develop a unique style and perspective.

The third stage, developing insights, is about developing taste, and I believe this is a lifelong process. Study the growth of successful startups and learn from large tech companies. Research brands in industries like fashion, music, and design, as the practical insights from these fields can often be valuable. While pure art may seem abstract, advertising and industrial design contain a wealth of practical experience.

Today, I want to offer some guidance to those looking to enter this market or those already in it but feeling confused when it comes to blockchain technology.

Here are the topics to consider for each stage, starting with understanding technology.

Bitcoin

• Background and Origins: Understand why Bitcoin was created and its development background.
• Proof of Work (PoW) Mechanism: Learn how PoW works and its critical role in securing the network.
• Nodes and Full Nodes: Study the role of nodes in the Bitcoin network and understand the difference between a regular node and a full node.
• 51% Attack: Master the concept of a 51% attack and its key significance in blockchain security.
• Halving Cycle: Understand the concept of Bitcoin halving events and their significant impact on the ecosystem.
• UTXO (Unspent Transaction Outputs): Comprehend the UTXO concept and its impact on Bitcoin’s transaction model.
• SHA-256: Learn about the SHA-256 cryptographic algorithm and its application in Bitcoin.
• Decentralization: Explore why Bitcoin is decentralized and its importance as a foundational characteristic.
• Use Cases: Examine the practical and potential applications of Bitcoin in various scenarios.

After mastering these basic concepts of Bitcoin, continue to dive deeper into Ethereum to expand your understanding.

Ethereum

• Background and Origins: Learn about the motivations behind Ethereum’s creation and how it expands upon Bitcoin’s functionality.
• Coin Supply Differences: Compare the coin supply models of Ethereum and Bitcoin, and understand the reasons behind these differences.
• Smart Contracts: Study the concept of smart contracts and their importance within the Ethereum ecosystem.
• Proof of Stake (PoS): Understand PoS as an alternative to PoW and how it functions within Ethereum.
• The Merge (PoW to PoS Transition): Explore why Ethereum transitioned from PoW to PoS and what this means for the network.
• ERC Standards (ERC721, ERC1125): Familiarize yourself with these standards and their importance in token creation.
• DAO Incident: Research the DAO hack and the resulting split between Ethereum and Ethereum Classic, and reflect on the concept of “Code is Law.”

Well-known dApps

@Uniswap

1. Automated Market Makers (AMMs): Learn what AMMs are and how Uniswap leverages them.
2. Versions V1, V2, V3: Overview of Uniswap versions and their innovations.
3. Impermanent losses: Understanding impermanent losses and their impact on liquidity providers.
4. Liquidity Providing and Trading: Learn how to provide liquidity and trade on Uniswap.

@CurveFinance

1. An AMM focused on stablecoins: Learn about Curve’s focus on stablecoins and what makes it unique.
2. Versions V1, V2, V3: Learn the differences between the different versions of Curve and why they are important.
3. Overview @yearnfi、@ghost and @compoundfinance: Have a basic understanding of these related protocols.
4. veCRV Token Economics: Examine Curve’s veCRV model and its role in governance.

MakerDAO ( @SkyEcosystem)

1. DAI issuance model: Understand how DAI is generated in the MakerDAO system.
2. $MKR Token Economics and Governance: Understanding the role of MKR and MakerDAO’s governance structure.

NFT ecosystem

1. Blue Chip NFT and Holder Profiles: Research major NFT projects such as:
2. @cryptopunksnfts, @BoredApeYC and @pudgypenguins。
3. The development of BAYC and Ape Chain: Track the development of BAYC and the launch of Ape Chain (@apecoin) (where relevant).
4. The Royalty Battle between @opensea and @blur_io: Understanding the Royalty Controversy in the NFT Market.

Layer 2: @arbitrum and @Optimism

1. Layer 2 Solutions: Learn why layer 2 (L2) solutions are developed.
2. Optimistic Rollup vs. ZK Rollup: Master these rollup types and their differences (if necessary).
3. Arbitrum Orbit, L3, and Application Chains: Learn how Arbitrum’s L3 model enables scalable, application-specific chains.
4. OP Stack and Hyperchain: Explore the role of OP Stack in building scalable and interconnected hyperchains.

Solana

• Transactions per second (TPS): Understand what TPS is and why it’s important.
• Solidity vs. Rust: Compare these two programming languages ​​and their use cases.
• EVM and SVM: Understand the basic differences between Ethereum and Solana virtual machines.
• Impact of low gas fees: Understand the impact of low fees on dApps and user behavior on Solana.
• Solana’s relationship with FTX: Looking back at the impact of the FTX incident on Solana.

Well-known Dapps

@JupiterExchange

1. DEX Aggregators: Learn what DEX aggregators are and why they are important.
2. JLP (Jupiter Liquidity Pool): Master the basic concepts of JLP.
3. Mobile UX: Thinking about the importance of mobile-friendly interfaces in DEXs.

@Stepnofficial

1. Token Economics: Get familiar with STEPN’s earn-while-playing model.
2. Ponzi Scheme Questions: Learn why STEPN was accused of being a Ponzi scheme and the consequences.
3. Earn Model: Develop your opinion on the pros and cons of the “earn” model.

@pumpdotfun

1. The concept of fair launch: Understanding the concept of fair launch in cryptocurrencies.
2. Pump.fun Functions: Get a basic idea of ​​how it works.

Emerging Layer 1 Platforms

1. Rust vs. Move programming languages: Compare Rust and Move, focusing on their advantages, disadvantages and application scenarios in blockchain development.
2. @Aptos, @SuiNetwork, @monad_xyz and @berachain: Explore the core features and technical narratives of each platform, focusing on their unique technical approaches and differences.

Bitcoin Ecosystem

• BRC-20: Understand the basic concepts of BRC-20 tokens.
• OP_CAT: Gain basic knowledge of OP_CAT and its impact.
• Runes: Get familiar with Runes and their role in the Bitcoin ecosystem.
• Bitcoin’s Layer 2s: Research the motivations behind Bitcoin L2 development.
• @babylonlabs_io: Learn the fundamentals of Babylon and its role in the Bitcoin ecosystem.
• BTC holder profile: Analyze the different types of BTC holders and, where possible, compare them with typical characteristics of ETH, SOL and other Layer1 holders.

I firmly believe that this bull run will attract more talent into the blockchain space, and I thought now is the perfect time to write this guide - I feel like I’m finally getting started on something important. I’ll be back again with a market guide.

Disclaimer:

1. This article is reproduced from [深潮TechFlow]. The copyright belongs to the original author [shubit | Echo]. If you have any objection to the reprint, please contact Gate Learn Team, the team will handle it as soon as possible according to relevant procedures.
2. Liability Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not constitute investment advice.
3. The Gate Learn team translated the article into other languages. Copying, distributing, or plagiarizing the translated articles is prohibited unless mentioned.