Blockchain has evolved massively since the Bitcoin creation in 2009 . In fact, the atmosphere itself calls out the developers from around the globe to create their own applications. Blockchain is truly exciting and has a lot of scope for development. However, as a newbie in this world, one may feel a bit lost. Fortunately, there are some outstanding Blockchain development technologies to ease your work and guide you through the way.
Overview of Blockchain
Before diving deep into the world of Blockchain application development, let’s first understand this technology, in brief,
Blockchain, a digital chain of blocks in which the data (blocks) is stored on a public database (chains). At the primary level, it is nothing but a list of records that strings together with cryptography. It allows the distribution of digital data without permitting anyone to copy it. From the last couple of years, Blockchain has been widely accepted by various platforms.
All right now, let’s proceed with the tools leading in this arena.
Blockchain Development Technologies
1. Geth
Geth, a multipurpose command-line tool is an implementation of an Ethereum node in the coding language known as Go. It offers three interfaces- JSON-RPC server, Command-line options, and an Interactive Console. Availing Geth, a user can do multiple things:
- Transfer tokens in between addresses
- Create smart contracts
- Explore block history
Also, remember one thing, upon running Geth, it is going to automatically download the entire Ethereum Blockchain, which at times take even days. Using an external hard drive for storing data is recommended.
2. Solidity
One of the well-known programming languages in blockchain development is Solidity. The language supports an object-oriented model and is utilized for writing smart contracts. It was designed for targetting the EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine). In fact, the Ethereum DApps can also be coded with the help of Solidity. There are two things that make Solidity a unique language- First is that it is availed in the most famous blockchain applications called Ethereum and the Second is that it can be utilized in smart contracts that can open-up numerous use-cases, majorly when it boils down to voting, multi-signature wallets, and crowdfunding. Solidity documentation is also a unique add-on, the point from which our user can begin the journey.
3. Solc
Like tons of programming languages, Solidity has a compiler named Solc. The purpose of this compiler is to convert scripts into a readable format. It even allows the EVE (Ethereum Virtual Machine) for recognizing and comprehending the scripts without any misinterpretation. Solc deciphers some fine contracts (written in Solidity) to an arrangement that can be understood by the EVE. Solc is available in two formats-
- The first one is coded in C++ (language).
- While the second one is Solc-js which means that it will run on JavaScript.
Both the formats of Solc basically fulfill the same purpose, but the first one is a bit faster.
4. Remix IDE
A popular IDE for running on the browser, Remix is used to develop contracts. It can be used on any modern browser since it is developed by availing JavaScript. One can also use it locally. Remix comes with modular support which fetches better functionality to the Remix IDE. It also supports debugging, testing, and deployment of smart contracts. The code analyzer of Remix is to ensure that the developers write fine codes. It helps in connecting to the Ethereum Blockchain using MetaMask.
5. Mist
Ethereum is the owner and developer of Mist. It is a platform that permits you to hold tokens and utilized especially for the smart contract delivery. It is a full node wallet utilized for storing Ether tokens and is best used for all the Ether-related coding tasks. After downloading the product, it is going to be synced up to date with the Ethereum. Post synchronization, the user will get two options giving the choice of working on the fundamental blockchain or test blockchain. Then the user will have to pick a secret key. Choose a strong secretive word for the key as once it is made, the secret can never be varied. Also, remember the secret phase as it has to be inputted every time you need to send Ether for the final confirmation. However, Mist also encourages some patience and storage device as it forces the user for downloading the complete Ethereum Blockchain which is more than 1 Terabyte.
6. Blockchain Testnet
Blockchain Test holds some extra importance in the Blockchain Development. It allows one to test the dApps before taking it live. Every blockchain application possesses a unique Testnet, and it is very much recommended that one utilize the particular Testnet for better results. There are three types of Blockchain Testnets including Private Test, Public Test, and GanacheCLI. Testnets are highly beneficial as it permits you to test the dApps for errors and bugs without spending a ton of resources. For example, Ethereum avails gas (as the fuel) for performing different tasks. Spending on fuel, every time you require can prove to be a major financial burden. Thanks to the Testnet, testing is really easy.
7. Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS)
As it is not very financially viable for a business to implement a complete end-to-end blockchain application, it has given rise to the concept of Blockchain as a Service. BaaS has been quite popular in the cryptocurrency public conscious lately. It is designed to function similarly to a SaaS model. It allows you to leverage cloud-based applications for building, hosting and using custom-made Blockchain solutions, smart contracts and more. The cloud-based service provider manages all the essential functions required for keeping the Blockchain infrastructure agile and operational. There are numerous BaaS service providers in the market like AWS Amplify (Amazon), Microsoft Azure, SAP, and others.
8. Ganache
Ganache, a tool from Truffle suite, which allows the coders to create their private Ethereum Blockchain for testing dApps, inspect states, and execute commands while taking complete control of the chain operations. The finest feature of Ganache is to allow you to execute all the actions, one would perform on the main chain otherwise. Developers avail Ganache for testing their smart contracts during development as it comes with numerous options like a built-in block explorer and advanced mining controls. Ganache enables you to manage gas costs and mining speed within the test environment for testing various scenarios of smart contracts.
9. Ether.js
A very handy tool especially when it comes to the mobile application development of client-side of JavaScript wallets. It also allows you to interact with the Ethereum Blockchain. Initially, it was only allowed to operate with ethers.io, but presently, it is a full-fledged general-purpose library. Ether.js keep private keys secured in the client. It connects easily to Ethereum nodes using Etherscan, Metamask and much more. Even though it is small in size (88 Kb), Ether.js offers fantastic documentation. Ether.js is an open-source technology and comes with the license of MIT.
10. Metamask
Metamask, a browser plugin that permits the users to make Ethereum transactions using regular websites. It gives applications (to the users) which allows them to interact with the Ethereum Dapps but not to serve Ether and other ERC-20 assets. Metamask facilitates the adoption of Ethereum as it bridges the difference between the user interfaces for Ethereum. Without this adoption, Ethereum can’t be the mainstream since the regular web possesses a strong network effect that hampers the user from switching.
Metamask can be easily installed as a Firefox add-on or a Google Chrome Extension. The setup is quite an easy one to perform.
11. Embark
For Ethereum DApps, Embark is a blockchain development framework. It will let you to smoothly create and deploy DApps. On the other hand, it allows one to create a separate HTML5 program that harnesses decentralized technologies. Embark allows you to build new smart contracts and makes them available in the JS code. It looks out for the changes in the contract and whenever one updates the same, Embark instantly modifies it and its collaborating DApp. It also redeploys the contracts immediately and watches for the variations, whenever the need be. If you want to interact with this platform, one can use any traditional languages (web development) including Angular, React, Meteor and many more.
12. Tierion
Tierion represents a set of features and tools that permit the developers to create a credible database and add data to the public ledger. It created Chainpoint which is availed for recording data and receipts generation that comprises all the data needed for the verification of data without requiring intermediaries. The main component of the Tierion’s digital foundation is this ChainPoint Proof protocol. The protocol and the Tierion API holds the data to the chain so they can produce a timestamp proof. The main goal of the Tierion is to create a global system that can be equally utilized in all the branches right from finance and eCommerce to inventory management.
13. Truffle
Truffle, an Ethereum Blockchain framework developed for creating a development environment to design Ethereum-based solutions. It comes along with a huge library that yields deployments for developing complex Ethereum dAPPs, writing smart contracts, and aid in tackling challenges of the Blockchain application development. It can perform automated contract testing using Mocha and Chai. Truffle also enables smart contract development including compilation, deployment, and linking. Also, it offers a configured pipeline for enacting custom build processes.
14. Ether Scripter
Ether Scripter is known as the most professional Blockchain development platform. The interface of the platform is extremely clear and one can opt to operate in a split-pane or single-mode. Thee tool-kit can range from a whole to minimal based on one’s coding choices. Generally, Ether Scripter can be considered as a platform (puzzle-like) that spices some fun to your blockchain coding. Though the platform is an intuitive coding dashboard, it doesn’t imply that any newbie can avail it. Contrarily, it may be a bit strenuous for the first-timers to get in the habit of this tool. Therefore, we recommend a bit of patience, especially in the beginning.
15. Solium
Like in any blockchain application development, security plays an essential role. Therefore it is highly important that your Solidity code is free from all sorts of security holes. This is the point where Solium comes in. Solium is a tool designed for formating the solidity code in addition to fixing the security issues in the program. The tool builds robust code and checks the vulnerabilities of the same. It also abides by the Solidity Style Guide. Solium also advances the coding practices that have been established upon the network.
Final Words
So here we are, at the end of the list of top 15 blockchain development tools that every budding Blockchain developer should try their hands on. The blockchain development solutions are relatively new in the market and hence, if you have decided to experiment with your curiosity and acquire a new skill set, these tools will aid you immensely in your road to development.
Need some help with the Blockchain Solution Development? Matellio, with its double-decade expertise, is here at your service. Talk to our experts, and they shall assist you in the same. Till then, Happy Exploring!
