One of the most significant assets anyone can have is knowledge, but who wants to spend years in college only to come out hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt? These 7 resources are all free and will help you get your start in the Web3 Space!
The other day I was reading some posts on Reddit’s r/ethdev when I came across a post that I seem to see all the time. “Where do I go to learn to build in Web3?” As I was reading through some of the comments, it was the same old thing, CryptoZombies, head to YouTube and search for channels like Eat the blocks or Dapp University. While these learning resources are available to new learners in Web3, they are not even the tip of the iceberg of the free resources available to get you on your Web3 development journey!
A few months ago, I wrote an article with a high-level overview of the cost of learning from my personal experience. I compared General Assembly, a pay-to-learn BootCamp that I paid 15k to attend, to Buildspace, which was still in its infancy at the time. Since that article, the learning resources have grown 100-fold in Web3, and I wanted to take a moment and compile them all in one place for that new learner looking to get into Web3 development, and the best part is they are all 100% free!
First up is the true OG of building on Ethereum, Austin Thomas Griffith, and Speed Run Ethereum. Austin is a fantastic teacher and has built an excellent platform for any developer considering moving from Web2 to Web3. After watching the introduction to Ethereum development, you will start completing some coding challenges like building some simple NFTs, a decentralized staking app, and a dice game. After completing a certain number of challenges, you will be eligible to join the BuidlGuidl and start making money with your new coding skills!
Next up is the person responsible for my being in the Web3 space; one night, I searched YouTube for some python videos and came across Patrick Collins’s channel. As I was watching his videos, I noticed he kept typing clear in the command line (Which drives me nuts). Being the smartass I am, I posted a comment to use cmd+k. Today I call him a friend, and between his Javascript and Python Tutorials, he has over 4 MILLION VIEWS! Insane, and congrats, man!
Next on the list is a great starting place for someone with little to no coding experience! LearnWeb3 DAO starts with a freshman course that teaches some basics of HTML, CSS, JS, and Solidity. As you progress through the course, you build more in-depth projects like DAOs and NFT factories, learn to build on layer 2’s, and use other tools like The Graph and Chainlink. They have also recently launched a beta for EarnWeb3, where you can again get in and start making some money with the skills you are learning!
I can not wait for Alchemy University to kick off! Alchemy recently acquired Chainshot (Which used to cost $3000 to attend) and is combing it with their already successful Road to Web3 to make a powerhouse of free learning! From learning the basics of Javascript to building full-stack Web3 Dapps, this is one that even the most experienced developers should take part in! If you have not yet gotten a beta invite to Alchemy University, sign up and follow Albert Hu and Vittorio Rivabella on Twitter for a chance to get in!
If you are a Data Scientist or Security Professional in Web2 looking to get into the Web3 space, this is a must! With a focus on Python and Vyper, Apeworx is quickly becoming the go-to in the Defi sector of Web3. The core team also contributes to some of the most significant Defi projects in the space! If you are coming from a finance background and making a move into Web3, this is the starting point for you!
The founder of Buildspace, Farza, will tell you to “Ship it!” Buildspace is a great place to find projects you can build over the weekend, from a simple dapp that people can leave messages on to a 6-week course building on Solana. This is a great project to check out and learn!
The Curve Finance YouTube Channel is one of the most undervalued channels for learning and building in Web3. While it is a little more advanced, it focuses on one of the most critical things in the Web3 space, TESTING! The current Defi market value is just over $52 billion! When dealing with those kinds of funds, the slightest mistake in your code can cost your users millions of dollars, and testing will help reduce these mistakes!
With just these seven resources, tens of thousands of new developers from all different walks of life and every corner of the globe have learned how to build in Web3. They all have very active Discord and Telegram channels where you can drop in and ask questions or find others to build with while you are on your Web3 journey, all for the low cost of your time and commitment to learning!