How can non-developers quickly get into the circle? From understanding technology to cultivating sensitivity

Original Title: "Career Upgrade Guide for Non-Developers in Blockchain"

Author: shubit | Echo

Compiled by: Deep Tide TechFlow

For non-developers, entering the blockchain field is often filled with challenges. This emerging field has yet to form a complete career development path, and mentors are relatively scarce.

Reflecting on my career, I have been fortunate to hold various roles in both Web2 and Web3 startups. Through these experiences, I have accumulated rich insights through continuous trial and error and established connections with individuals who inspire and help deepen my understanding. I have found that non-developers do not need to master technical details deeply, but a conceptual understanding of the core mechanisms of blockchain is crucial.

This guide gathers the experiences I have gained along the way, hoping to help other non-developers find their direction and achieve career growth in the blockchain field.

Based on my experience, career development in the blockchain field typically divides into three stages:

1. Understanding Technology

2. Understanding the Market

3. Cultivating Acumen

If you are engaged in trading, you may only need to grasp the market (the second stage) along with some basic knowledge of technology (the first stage) to gain an advantage. However, if you are involved in project development or wish to build applications in blockchain, understanding technology is essential; otherwise, it is difficult to gain deep insights into the market. If technology confuses you, focus first on mastering the core concepts so that you can gradually see the bigger picture of the market.

As your understanding of blockchain deepens, focusing on key thought leaders in the industry and tracking trends on platforms like X will become your priority. Consider how to approach similar challenges or opportunities in different ways. Observing blockchain projects, as well as how other industries operate in business and branding, can help you develop a unique style and perspective.

The third stage, cultivating acumen, is about building taste, and I believe this is a lifelong process. Study the growth trajectories of successful startups and learn from large tech companies. Research brands in industries such as fashion, music, and design, as practical insights from these fields often provide valuable references. Although pure art may seem abstract, advertising and industrial design contain rich practical experiences.

Today, I want to provide some guidance for those looking to enter this market or those already in it but feeling lost when facing 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 the context of its development.

• Proof of Work (PoW) Mechanism: Learn how PoW works and its crucial role in securing the network.

• Nodes and Full Nodes: Study the role of nodes in the Bitcoin network and understand the difference between ordinary nodes and full nodes.

• 51% Attack: Grasp 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 Output): Comprehend the UTXO concept and its influence on the Bitcoin transaction model.

• SHA-256: Learn about the SHA-256 cryptographic algorithm and its application in Bitcoin.

• Decentralization: Explore the reasons for Bitcoin's decentralization and its significance as a foundational characteristic.

• Use Cases: Discuss the actual and potential applications of Bitcoin in various scenarios.

After mastering these foundational concepts of Bitcoin, continue to delve into Ethereum as a basis for expansion.

Ethereum

• Background and Origins: Understand the motivations behind the creation of Ethereum and how it expands the functionality of Bitcoin.

• 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 in the Ethereum ecosystem.

• Proof of Stake (PoS): Learn about PoS as an alternative to PoW and how it operates in Ethereum.

• The Merge (Transition from PoW to PoS): Explore why Ethereum transitioned from PoW to PoS and its significance for the network.

• ERC Standards (ERC721, ERC1125): Familiarize yourself with these standards and their importance in token creation.

• DAO Incident: Study the DAO hack incident and the resulting split between Ethereum and Ethereum Classic, and reflect on the idea of "code is law."

Notable dApps

@Uniswap

1. Automated Market Makers (AMMs): Understand the concept of AMMs and how Uniswap utilizes them.

2. Versions V1, V2, V3: Overview of the various versions of Uniswap and their innovations.

3. Impermanent Loss: Recognize impermanent loss and its impact on liquidity providers.

4. Liquidity Provision and Trading: Learn how to provide liquidity and trade on Uniswap.

@CurveFinance

1. AMM Focused on Stablecoins: Understand Curve's focus on stablecoins and what makes it unique.

2. Versions V1, V2, V3: Learn about the differences and significance between the various versions of Curve.

3. Overview of @yearnfi, @aave, and @compoundfinance: Get a basic understanding of these related protocols.

4. veCRV Token Economics: Study Curve's veCRV model and its role in governance.

MakerDAO ( @SkyEcosystem )

1. DAI Issuance Model: Understand how DAI is generated within the MakerDAO system.

2. $MKR Token Economics and Governance: Grasp the role of MKR and the governance structure of MakerDAO.

NFT Ecosystem

1. Blue-Chip NFTs and Holder Overview: Study major NFT projects, such as:

2. @cryptopunksnfts, @BoredApeYC, and @pudgypenguins.

3. Development of BAYC and Ape Chain: Track the development of BAYC and the launch of Ape Chain (@apecoin) (if applicable).

4. The Royalty Dispute between @opensea and @blur_io: Understand the controversies regarding royalties in the NFT market.

L2: @arbitrum and @Optimism

1. Layer 2 Solutions: Understand the reasons for developing Layer 2 (L2) solutions.

2. Optimistic Rollup vs. ZK Rollup: Grasp the types of these Rollups and their differences (if necessary).

3. Arbitrum Orbit, L3, and Application Chains: Learn how Arbitrum's L3 model supports scalable, application-specific chains.

4. OP Stack and Superchains: Explore the role of OP Stack in building scalable and interconnected superchains.

Solana

• Transactions Per Second (TPS): Understand the significance of TPS and its importance.

• Solidity vs. Rust: Compare these two programming languages and their application scenarios.

• EVM vs. SVM: Understand the basic differences between the Ethereum and Solana virtual machines.

• Impact of Low Gas Fees: Learn how low fees affect dApps and user behavior on Solana.

• Relationship between Solana and FTX: Review the impact of the FTX incident on Solana.

Notable Dapps

@JupiterExchange

1. DEX Aggregators: Understand what DEX aggregators are and their importance.

2. JLP (Jupiter Liquidity Pool): Grasp the basic concept of JLP.

3. Mobile User Experience: Consider the importance of mobile-friendly interfaces in DEX.

@Stepnofficial

1. Token Economics: Familiarize yourself with STEPN's play-to-earn model.

2. Allegations of a Ponzi Scheme: Understand why STEPN has been accused of being a Ponzi scheme and its consequences.

3. Earning Model: Form your views on the pros and cons of the "earning" model.

@pumpdotfun

1. Concept of Fair Launch: Understand the idea of fair launch in cryptocurrency.

2. Functions of Pump.fun: Gain a basic understanding of how it operates.

Emerging L1 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 concept of BRC-20 tokens.

• OPCAT: Grasp the basic knowledge of OPCAT and its implications.

• Runes: Familiarize yourself with Runes and their role in the Bitcoin ecosystem.

• Layer 2s for Bitcoin: Study the motivations behind Bitcoin L2 development.

• @babylonlabs_io: Understand the basic principles of Babylon and its role in the Bitcoin ecosystem.

• BTC Holder Overview: Analyze the different types of BTC holders and, where possible, compare them with the typical characteristics of ETH, SOL, and other L1 holders.

I firmly believe that this bull market will attract more talent into the blockchain field, and I think now is the best time to write this guide— I feel like I have finally started an important work. I will return with a market guide.