The crypto ecosystem sits on top of distributed ledgers, which are largely called blockchains. Apart from recording and verifying transactions, some crypto blockchains such as Ethereum allow users to launch agreements or special actions that are performed on their own. These are known as smart contracts and to create them effectively, programming language is a must.
The importance of programming
Crypto exchanges, decentralized apps (dApps), automated buying or selling orders, and even NFT-based games often rely on smart contracts to function smoothly. A smart contract failure can cause a platform break, and exploitation of the codes can devalue the entire ecosystem. Programming languages thus help crypto platforms and protocols to function efficiently.
C++ is a programming language commonly associated with Bitcoin. While the Bitcoin Whitepaper explaining the peer-to-peer electronic cash system is mostly written in English, the Bitcoin Core software, which makes transactions possible, uses C++. It is maintained by a community that anyone can join by running Bitcoin Core full nodes. It is hailed as an accessible programming language that users of Java, C and C# can easily learn due to existing similarities. It is also one of the most widely used programming languages, playing a role in the development of operating systems such as MacOS and Windows, gaming devices, search engines and even machine learning. C++ is a major influence for many other programming languages used today. However, some people see C++ as an outdated program. Mark Russinovich, Microsoft Azure’s CTO, recently asked developers to stop using C and C++.
Solidity, Rusk, Python and Haskell
Solidity is the programming language mainly used on the blockchain platform Ethereum. Some of the developers are Ethereum co-founders. The language is influenced by C++, Python and JavaScript. It is also known as a “curly bracket language” as it uses the curly bracket special character. In recent times, with Ethereum’s transition to a proof-of-stake model, programming skills in Solidity are expected to be in demand. Parts of the Ethereum ecosystem also support several other programming languages such as Python, Ruby, Rust, Java and more.
Rust has the unique distinction of being named the “perfect programming language” in 2021 by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey. In 2022, Mr. Dorsey noted that Rust was a “close second” to C. In the crypto world, Rust is often associated with the Solana blockchain, which is known for its high speeds and relatively low transaction fees. The Polkadot blockchain, which helps to better connect blockchains with each other, also uses Rust. However, developers have complained that Rust is too difficult to learn. A 2018 survey found that more than 22% of users did not feel productive using the programming language.
Created by Dutch programmer Guido van Rossum, Python is a general-purpose programming language. Cryptocurrency is just one of its many uses. Python is used by developers interested in Bitcoin Core as well as non-Bitcoin cryptocurrencies, known as altcoins. Python’s detailed library and graphical user interface options make it ideal for blockchain developers just getting into developing dApps. The program can also be widely used by both Web3 and non-crypto related app developers. On the other hand, those looking to apply for crypto-based positions with their Python qualifications are likely to face significant competition as it is one of the most popular languages in existence today.
Some of the most valuable blockchain projects in the crypto industry do not necessarily rely on the most popular programming languages. Cardano, for example, is a blockchain that prides itself on its academic rigor and scientific approach to the crypto sector. The smart contract programming language is based on Haskell. The Cardano Foundation itself admits that Haskell is not well-known and is not a popular programming language for beginners. Classified as a purely functional programming language, Haskell is difficult to learn. But it is said to be well suited to deliver accurate crypto projects due to its immutability feature.
