7 Best Programming Languages for Blockchain Projects in 2021

While the global blockchain market size is expanding, the programming languages that come with it is also growing. There are hundreds, if not thousands of programming languages out there.

However, not all of them are suitable for blockchain projects.

Before hiring a blockchain developer for your next blockchain project, it’s crucial for you (as a project lead) to know exactly what project you’re doing and what programming language is suitable for it. 

Alternatively, if you are an aspiring blockchain developer looking for your first blockchain coding language to immerse yourself in, then this article will be a good read for you.

Here are seven best programming languages for blockchain development that you should take a note of.

  1. C++
  2. Java
  3. Python
  4. C#
  5. Solidity
  6. Rholang
  7. Simplicity

C++

Program sederhana c++ menghitung luas persegi - FTI ARS University
Source: FTI ARS University

Its multifunctionality which includes moving semantics, advanced multi-threading and other object-oriented features makes it one of the most commonly used programming languages, not only in Blockchain, but across the tech world.

C++ is also known as one of the best programming languages for cryptocurrency development. Dozens of tech companies are currently spending hundreds and millions exploring the field.

Popular blockchain projects like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ripple and EOS are built based on C++. 

Here are some additional functionalities this programming language offers, according to Appinventiv:

  • Efficient CPU management and memory control,
  • Ease of running parallel/non-parallel threads,
  • Option to move semantics for copying data effectively, 
  • Compile-time polymorphism for enhanced performance, 
  • Code isolation for different data structures and more.

Java

Apa itu Java Programming?

Java has been a popular programming language as it’s the official language of Android mobile app development. 

Developers often utilize it to build sophisticated Smart Contracts and decentralized applications (“dApps”), which are crucial components of blockchain development. 

The programming language is derived from the C-syntax.

Besides, Java has a plentiful amount of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), which include many Java classes, packages, interfaces, etc. This comes in handy when constructing applications without necessarily knowing their inside implementations.

Below are some additional features that make Java a popular choice for developing blockchain: 

  • Robust support for OOP (Object-Oriented Programming) methodology
  • Ease of memory cleaning
  • Portability and independence from system-specific architecture

Python

File:Python logo and wordmark.svg - Wikimedia Commons

Python is becoming one of the most popular programming languages in the world. In Redmonk, a developer analyst firm tracking on popular coding languages in the world, Jan 2020 report, they found out that Python is ranked as the 2nd most popular language in the world.

Not only those in the STEM stream are learning it, this programming language is commonly offered as courses in schools and universities.

That said, when hiring your blockchain developer, you could definitely expect that your developers have some, if not great knowledge regarding this programming language.

A big advantage of using Python is the large amount of widely available resources. There are dozens of Python libraries, plugins, and other guides available online for almost every problem the developers might encounter during the development process.

On top of that, the object-oriented language is also relatively efficient for prototyping, making it suitable for any small or large scale blockchain projects.

C#

20 years anniversary of C# programming language. What the future holds. -  Avenga

Being syntactically similar to Java and C++, C# is the next best programming language for blockchain development.

Even if it was initially created only as a Microsoft language to substitute Java, it’s now widely used in other program developments.

It is relatively easy to learn, even for developers new to the field, due to how similar it is to commonly-used programming languages. The language comes loaded with features of C, SQL, and .NET frameworks.

Open-source developers can effortlessly design a highly portable code using C#, which will run across all devices and multiple operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, etc. Furthermore, companies like it even more due to its cost-effectiveness, considering that the BizSpark Program supports it.

Solidity

Solidity - Wikipedia bahasa Indonesia, ensiklopedia bebas

It is currently one of the fastest-growing programming languages for Blockchain. Developers often use the object-oriented programming language to create and implement smart contracts on various blockchain platforms, most notably, Ethereum. 

Solidity is made based on C++, Python and Javascript concepts compiled together to allow developers to write high-level codes that are still easily understandable for machines. This also makes it easier for developers to learn the language with those respective skills.

Other advantages of Solidity includes the following (QSS Technosoft):

  • Many developers utilize Solidity in programming smart contracts on other networks such as Monax and its Hyperledger, Counterparty, Burrow Blockchain, Tendermint, and Zeppelin by Digital Currency Group.
  • Solidity also supports multiple type-safe functions through facilitating ABI (Application Binary Interface).
  • The solidity development allows a secure and reliable process for different platforms involved in settlement or agreement between two members.
  • Using contracts, fundraising can be done and can provide solutions for various problems raised like third-party expenses and reduce the cost of managing data.

Rholang

Rholang/LICENSE at master · rchain/Rholang · GitHub

Rholang is another great programming language for smart contract development. What sets it apart from others is how it has a functional approach, rather than an object-oriented one, making it relatively useful in solving blockchain problems. 

This special feature indicates that Rholang evaluates the whole program as a series of functions and solves them sequentially. Which is different from languages like C or Python that use variables for storing data and change the value of the variables with time.

Simplicity

Simplicity is another high-level programming language. Its founders initially developed the language specifically for writing smart contracts. In fact, it is one of the best ones for it for both professional programmers and open source developers.

The programming language is based on Ivy and works like a Haskell-like syntax, making coding relatively more straightforward and effective. On top of that, it’s highly mathematical structure makes it extremely reader-friendly.

Simplicity also focuses on reducing the complications of Bitcoin Scripts. Because Simplicity hides the low-level logical components from Bitcoin developers, it increases developers’ work capacity, which helps create a relatively faster development period.

With that in mind, you should once again be wary of matching the programming language suitable for your blockchain project with the ability that your blockchain developers possess. Contact us for any assistance to hire the best possible blockchain developer for your company. Both local and foreign companies such as Pansonic, Pizza Hut, Bosch, Zalora, Toshiba, LINE, etc trusts 9cv9 in recruiting their best talents.

If you are thinking of hiring your blockchain team, you can now get started for free at 9cv9 Employer Hiring Platform. The platform contains some of the best blockchain developers in the world who are hungry to learn and work on your projects.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a blockchain job, then our innovative job finding application will aid you immensely to pair you up with some of the best blockchain companies. Take a giant leap towards your next job here.

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Michelle Sutono
Michelle Sutono
Michelle is an undergraduate student majoring in Global Business. Her passion lies in management consulting and digital marketing and marketing psychology. She is currently exploring and learning about the different branches of digital marketing.

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