NTU MOOC Study Notes - Session 5 Blockchain Beyond the Basics: Reimagine What's Possible
Date: 9:00-11:30 AM SGT, July 2nd 2024 / 9:30-11 PM EST, July 1st 2024
Session Title: Blockchain Beyond the Basics: Reimagine What's Possible
Overview
Main Topic: Understanding the process of ideating and building applications in the Web3 ecosystem.
Objectives:
Section 1: Introduction to Web3
1.1 What is Web3?
1.2 Web2 vs Web3
Section 2: Key Components of Web3
2.1 Blockchain Technology
2.2 Smart Contracts
2.3 Cryptocurrencies
Section 3: Benefits of Web3
3.1 Decentralization
3.2 Transparency
3.3 Ownership
Section 4: Ideation in Web3
4.1 Opportunities
Section 5: Challenges
5.1 DeFi Protocol Development
5.2 NFT-Based Music Distribution
5.3 Decentralized Identity Platform
5.4 DAO Governance Tools
5.5 Supply Chain Traceability
5.6 Web3 Development Framework
Section 6: Identifying Problems to Solve
6.1 Problem Statement
Section 7: Ideation Techniques
7.1 Brainstorming
7.2 Mind Mapping
7.3 User-Centric Thinking
Section 8: Validating Your Idea
8.1 Market Research
8.2 Feedback
8.3 Prototyping
Case Study: Uniswap
Decentralized exchanges like Uniswap are important because they offer several advantages over centralized exchanges:
Section 9: Building in Web3
9.1 Getting Started with Development
9.2 Smart Contracts
9.3 Building dApps
Section 10: Security Considerations
10.1 Common Vulnerabilities
Section 11: Community and Collaboration
11.1 Importance
Section 12: Participating in Hackathons and Grants
12.1 Opportunities
Section 13: Learning and Growth
13.1 Resources
Q&A
Q: How can someone get started in Web3 development?
A: For beginners excited about Layer 2 solutions (L2s) and Web3 development, there are ample resources available. Morph, for example, offers Morph Dev Tools which are great for onboarding new developers. Additionally, engaging with the community, sharing resources, and asking questions can significantly aid your learning process. Remember, many aspects of this space are new, so it's common not to know everything initially.
Q: How can I get my first job in Web3?
A: Joining a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) is a great way to gain hands-on experience in Web3. DAOs are more open than traditional Web2 ecosystems, allowing you to contribute to projects and build a portfolio. Look for DAOs related to your interests and start contributing. Platforms like Crypto Jobs List and newsletters with job sections, such as Weekend Ethereum, are also useful for finding opportunities.
Q: What DAOs would you recommend for beginners?
A: Start with DAOs related to your passions, such as Pizza DAO or Workout DAO, to understand how DAOs operate. For more technical involvement, explore DAOs focused on Web3 consulting and development. Crypto Jobs List and specific job boards can help you find DAOs and projects aligned with your skills and interests.
Q: How should the front end respond to Web3 interviews?
A: Different companies have varying interview processes, but showcasing your ability to build functional and aesthetically pleasing projects is crucial. Highlighting your experience with key libraries like Web3.js and React.js is important. Creating simple yet effective projects, like a basic wallet or a voting app, can demonstrate your front-end skills effectively.
Q: Are there project consulting services in Web3?
A: Project consulting in Web3 often falls within business development (BD). Larger organizations, like Mastercard, have small consulting teams focused on integrating Web3 technologies. These roles involve discussing the benefits of technologies with potential clients and contributing ideas for development.
Q: What are some exciting trends and technologies in Web3?
A: Impact spaces, such as reforestation and regenerative crypto economics, are particularly exciting. Projects that promote decentralization, privacy, and environmental sustainability, like those protecting privacy for nation states, are gaining traction. The longevity space, including initiatives like VitaDAO and decentralized science, is also emerging as a significant area of interest.
Q: How can Web3 provide global opportunities?
A: Web3 allows for global collaboration and flexible work arrangements. People from various backgrounds can work on projects, earn tokens, and participate in hackathons. This flexibility enables individuals to balance work and personal life better, promoting a more humane and fulfilling way of working.
Q: What motivated you to enter the Web3 space?
A: Initially working at Square on the Cash App team, I was intrigued by the limitations imposed by traditional financial systems. Discovering blockchain and cryptocurrencies during my maternity leave, I became involved in Ethereum through core contributor calls and hackathons. This journey led me to build a network and gain expertise in Web3, eventually leading events and contributing to the ecosystem's growth.