We offer programs for developers in both Web2 and Web3 domains, focusing on their training and development. One of the most common questions we hear from developers on this journey is whether they should aim for a career in Web2 or Web3. In this article, we aim to provide an overview of career opportunities in both Web2 and Web3 from different perspectives.
Before we dive into the comparison, let's gain some background knowledge about Web3. Blockchain technology, with its origins tracing back to the early 1990s and the creation of secure blocks through cryptography, has the potential to reshape the functioning of the world. Even though its roots go back to the 90s, we can take the implementation of Bitcoin in 2009 as a landmark. From 2009 to 2023, blockchain technology has made significant progress but has not yet fully integrated into our daily lives.
To provide a more current example, Mark Zuckerberg's Threads reached 100 million users in just five days after its launch.
You might wonder, "If blockchain technology has such great potential, why hasn't it reached the level of Threads?" There are several reasons for this. When you aim to change the existing order and power balance of the World, you inevitably face resistance from those who are content with their positions, individuals/organizations/governments. Additionally, blockchain technology is not mature, and various blockchain projects are actively working on scalability, cost-effective solutions, speed, and security. Furthermore, it is essential to note that Web3 is not a direct equivalent of Web2; it is a complementary technology. Therefore, Web3 finds meaning and creates value through appropriate use cases.
Blockchain technology offers solutions in areas such as genuine ownership, transparency, accountability, and auditability. Implementing these aspects into good use cases will ultimately unlock its true potential.
Now, let's shift our focus to the developer ecosystem. Currently, there are nearly 28.7 million developers worldwide, with only around 210,000 developers working on Web3 technologies. The raito does not event account for 1%. Looking at the Patika.dev community, which is dynamic and open to innovation, we see that out of a total of 175,000+ registered developers, over 10,000 are enrolled in Web3 programs (significantly higher than the global average with 5.7%).
Now, let's explore what Web2 and Web3 have to offer from a developer's perspective.
What does Web2 offer?
There are tens of thousands of companies working on Web2 technologies, ranging from tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Apple to small startups founded by a few friends. These companies use Web2 technologies to provide solutions to user problems and enhance user experiences. As a junior developer who has recently graduated from one of Patika.dev's Web2 programs, when you click to LinkedIn, you can see numerous job postings related to the technology you have specialized in. You can apply and start working in a short period. On the other hand, if you have a great idea or want to develop an existing one, you also have the opportunity to start your own business (although it's worth mentioning that competition is high).
What about Web3?
In Web3, both the number of developers and users is limited. On one side, there are teams working on core technologies in foundations, but their numbers are very limited. Additionally, there are projects being developed by entrepreneurs. The number of these projects is increasing day by day.
Moreover, corporate giants that are currently working on Web2 technologies have also started to establish teams focused on blockchain technologies. Some companies are doing this openly, while others are more discreetly investing in the Web3 space. Although the job potential is limited, the number of open positions is gradually increasing.
Now, let's consider the scenario where you have an idea and entrepreneurship is part of your personality. In that case, Web3 offers you fantastic opportunities. Considering the importance of successful projects for blockchain platforms, you can better understand the significance of having more developers working on a specific technology, bringing successful projects to life, increasing the number of users and transactions on the platform, and standing out compared to competitors.
In summary:
In this article, I provided data to help you form your own answer to the question, "Should I aim for a career in Web2 or Web3?" The answer varies for each individual, but I can add my own insights for two main personas.
- Persona 1: Those who prefer stability, dislike chaos, and are moderately open to innovation: Working with Web2 technologies may better meet your expectations. However, I still recommend that you keep up with evolving technologies by participating in Patika.dev’s free Web3 programs/events.
- Persona 2: Those who have an entrepreneurial spirit, embrace risk, love innovative technologies, and are not afraid of making mistakes: I believe that Web3 technologies present significant opportunities for you. Especially when it comes to your own ventures, access to funding will be much easier. Considering the relatively low competition at the moment, I would say it is the right time to enter the Web3 area. I recommend that you quickly get onboard with Patika.dev's Web3 programs, join the community, actively participate in events, and become an active member.
At the end of my article, I would like to share an exciting announcement that excites us at Patika.dev. Our Web3 journey, which has touched the lives of over 10,000 developers, is expanding globally. Rise in Web3 is our global brand. Stay tuned :)
References:
(1) Stornetta, S., & Haber, H. (1991). How to Time-Stamp a Digital Document. Journal of Cryptology, 3(2), 99–111. doi:10.1007/bf00196791
(2) Evans Data Corporation, Global Developer Population and Demographic Study (2023)
(3) State of the Dapps, DappRadar (2023)
(4) Dune Analytics (2023)