From Zero to Smart Contract Hero: My Journey Through Patrick Collins' Blockchain Course
Introduction
Hello everyone! I'd like to share my 37-day journey through the course "Blockchain Developer, Smart Contract, & Solidity Course - Beginner to Expert Course" by Patrick Collins. I'm a Software Engineer and I wanted to learn more about blockchain. This post is for people who are interested in blockchain but haven't started learning yet. I'll talk about what you need to know before you start, what the course covers, and the projects I made. I hope this helps you understand if this course is good for you.
Prerequisites 🛠️
So, you're excited about diving into the world of blockchain and smart contracts, but what do you need to know before starting this course? First , this course isn't for someone who's never written code before. You should have some basic knowledge of programming in any language, whether it's Python, JavaScript, Java, or others. You should be familiar with basic programming constructs such as 'if' statements, functions, arrays, and scopes.
In terms of time commitment, I would suggest dedicating 2-4 hours a day for 4-6 days a week to really grasp the course material. For me, I committed to 3 hours a day, 5 days a week. Sometimes, I went over 3 hours, but the key here is consistency. If you can stick to your commitment, you'll be well on your way to becoming proficient in blockchain development.
Course Coverage 📚
This is Patrick Collins' third mega course, following earlier editions focused on Python and JavaScript.
Why Choose this Course? 🤔
You might wonder if the Python or JavaScript edition would be more suitable. My advice is to opt for this one. The Foundry edition is the most up-to-date and focuses on Solidity, making it ideal even if you're well-versed in Python or JavaScript.
Lesson 0 & 1: Understanding the Basics 🌐
If you're a developer who's never ventured beyond conventional web development, the first couple of lessons act as your gateway to the blockchain multiverse. It starts with the non-coding essentials: understanding blockchain at a conceptual level. It's akin to grasping HTTP protocols before diving into RESTful APIs. Topics span from cryptography to Bitcoin and Ethereum, giving you a full-stack overview of blockchain technologies before you even touch code.
Lesson 2, 3 & 4: Diving into Code 🏊♂️
Here is where the coding begins. Using Solidity and the Remix IDE, you'll learn fundamental concepts such as Types, Interfaces, Inheritance, and Libraries, culminating in deploying your first smart contract.
Lesson 5: Leveraging AI for Wisdom 🤖
This lesson imparts the true essence of being a developer: It's not just about knowing the answers but knowing where to find them.
Lesson 6, 7, 8 & 9: Advanced Topics 🚀
These lessons focus on working with Foundry and cover all the basics you'll need to become a backend smart contract engineer.
Lesson 8: Frontend Basics 🖥️
You'll learn the basics of frontend interactions and how web pages communicate with smart contracts.
Lesson 10 & 11: Token Fundamentals 🪄
In these lessons, you'll delve into ERC20s and ERC721s, gaining an understanding of token mechanics.
Lesson 12: The Pinnacle ⛰️
This lesson is your Everest, where you'll learn to create a DeFi stablecoin using advanced techniques like fuzzing, collateralization, and liquidations.
Lesson 13 & 14: Governance 🏛️
You'll build your own DAO from scratch in these lessons, covering it from end-to-end.
Lesson 15: Security 🔐
The final lesson serves as an introduction to smart contract auditing and is a prerequisite for anyone looking to move into this specialized field.
Key Takeaways 🗝️
By the end of this course, as promised by Patrick Collins, you'll be well-equipped to become any type of engineer or non-engineer in the Web3 space, whether you're interested in smart contract development, backend engineering, or auditing.
Streamlined Daily Routine 🗓️
Allocate 3 hours each day for 5 days a week to make steady progress through the course without risking burnout. Begin each study session by reviewing your notes and achievements from the previous day, and then prepare a fresh note page to capture new learnings. To avoid stumbling blocks, it's wise to skim through the course's GitHub page for any updates or changes, given how quickly technology evolves.
In the age of social media, don't underestimate the power of community. Share your progress and milestones on professional platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. Not only does this give you a sense of accountability, but it also connects you to a community that can offer support, insights, and even networking opportunities. Speaking of community, actively engage in discussions on the GitHub pages associated with the course. Asking questions and answering others will enhance your understanding of complex topics.
Lastly, a tip for staying motivated: At the end of each study session, flip a coin. If it lands on heads, go ahead and reward yourself with something small that brings you joy. If it’s tails, simply carry on without a reward. The unpredictability of this approach can actually provide a more potent dose of motivation in the form of dopamine, making your study sessions something you’ll look forward to.
Challenges and Solutions 💡
Course Length: The course might seem lengthy, but the rich content keeps you engaged. You might even find yourself wishing it were longer!
Learning Curve: Smart Contract development does have a steep learning curve. Don't hesitate to watch certain segments twice. Keep a separate note with timestamps for areas you'd like to revisit.
Clarifying Terms with AI Assistant: For Clarification, Consult Your AI Assistant: If you encounter terms or concepts that are unfamiliar or confusing, don't hesitate to consult your AI assistant. Example prompts include: “Explain Liquidation in the context of DeFI like I am 12” "Explain the concept of 'inheritance' in Solidity." "Why am I getting a 'revert' error in this smart contract?" "How does 'event logging' work in smart contracts?"
ChatGPT explaining Collateral like I am 5
- Lesson Challenges and Rewards: At the end of each lesson, you'll encounter a challenge. Solving these not only aids in cementing your understanding but also comes with a unique reward—an NFT! This serves as both an incentive and a digital trophy of your accomplishments.
Projects 🛠️
This course encompasses 7 enriching projects that range from basic to near real-world applications. Each project allows you to delve deeper into web3 technologies and smart contract engineering. Here's a rundown:
Simple Storage: This project introduces you to the basics of smart contract development.
Fund Me: This project focuses on crowdfunding by converting fiat to ether, utilizing Chainlink's price feed for real-time currency conversion.
Smart Contract Lottery: Take your skills a notch higher by simulating a lottery.
ERC20: Create your very own fungible tokens using the ERC20 standard.
MoodNFT: Dive into the world of non-fungible tokens and create an NFT that expresses a mood.
DeFi Stablecoin: This is more than just a course project; it's nearly a real-world decentralized finance application.
DAO: Learn how to construct a decentralized autonomous organization from scratch.
To provide tangible proof of your skills, you'll be able to post the links to the projects you've built alongside the course. This will serve as an excellent portfolio for any future endeavors in the Web3 space.
Conclusion 🎓
Completing this 27-hour Solidity course has been a transformative experience, akin to navigating through a giant startup in the form of smart contracts. The course effectively blends technical skills with a deep understanding of the rapidly evolving blockchain ecosystem.
The community around the course further enriches the learning experience, providing a hub for collaboration and growth. My next steps are ambitious but grounded: I'm gearing up to apply for a Hackathon to challenge myself further in the world of web3 technology.
By completing this course, you'll acquire a comprehensive skill set in smart contract and blockchain development, preparing you to excel in the booming web3 tech landscape.
Call to Action 📣
If you've made it this far into my review, chances are you're as passionate about smart contracts and blockchain technology as I am. Don't let this newfound knowledge go to waste. Spread the word! Share this post with anyone you think would benefit from it. And if you're on the fence about taking the course, take the plunge. Your future web3-focused self will thank you.