Blockchain technology is a distributed database that allows for secure, transparent, and tamper-proof transactions. The applications of blockchain technology are far-reaching and have the potential to disrupt many industries. This emerging technology is particularly well-suited for developing decentralized applications, also known as dapps. One of the most popular platforms for building blockchain applications is Ethereum.
Ethereum is a decentralized platform that runs smart contracts: applications that run exactly as programmed without any possibility of fraud or third-party interference. Applications that can be programmed to run on Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which is a decentralized platform that can execute code of arbitrary algorithmic complexity. Building a blockchain application on Ethereum is a relatively straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind. This article will give you nine tips for building a blockchain app on Ethereum. Let’s explore!
1. Choose the Right Use Case
When choosing to build a dapp on Ethereum, selecting a well-suited use case for a decentralized application is essential. Some suitable use cases include voting systems, supply chain management, and peer-to-peer marketplaces. It’s also important to consider whether the use case could benefit from decentralization. For example, a social media application might not need to be decentralized, but a platform for managing digital assets would undoubtedly benefit from the security and transparency of blockchain technology.
2. Consider the Scalability of Your Application
One of the challenges facing Ethereum is scalability. The Ethereum network can currently only process a limited number of transactions per second, which may not be sufficient for large-scale applications. However, there are a few ways to work around this issue. One option is to use sidechains, which are separate blockchains that are attached to the main Ethereum blockchain. Another option is sharding, a technique for partitioning data so that each node in the network only needs to process a small subset of the transactions.
3. Write Secure Smart Contracts
When building a dapp on Ethereum, it’s essential to write secure smart contracts. Smart contracts are pieces of code that run on the Ethereum blockchain and govern user interactions. Because smart contracts are immutable, once they are deployed to the blockchain, they cannot be changed. It means getting the code right the first time is essential. To write secure smart contracts, it’s important to use a strong programming language like Solidity and to test your code thoroughly before deploying it to the mainnet.
4. Use a Decentralized Storage Solution
When building a dapp, it’s essential to consider how you will store data. Because Ethereum is a decentralized platform, traditional centralized storage solutions like databases are not well-suited for storing data on the blockchain. Instead, it would help if you considered using a decentralized storage solution like IPFS or Swarm.
Decentralized storage solutions are more secure and efficient than centralized solutions and better suited for storing data on a decentralized platform like Ethereum. Hiring a smart contract developer to help with the data storage is also suggested.
5. Make Use of Existing Ethereum Libraries and Frameworks
When building a dapp on Ethereum, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. There are several existing libraries and frameworks that you can use to speed up development. For example, the Truffle Framework is a popular development environment that can be used to build, test, and deploy Ethereum applications. A web3.js library is also a valuable tool for interacting with the Ethereum blockchain from within a web browser. Ensuring your dapp is compatible with existing tools and libraries will make development faster and easier.
6. Deploy Your Dapp to A Testnet
Before deploying your dapp to the leading Ethereum network, it’s essential to test it on a testnet. A testnet is a copy of the Ethereum blockchain used for testing purposes. By deploying your dapp to a testnet, you can be sure that it works as intended before releasing it to the world. Not only will this save you time and money, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing that your dapp is ready for production.
7. Use a Service Provider to Help With Deployment
If you’re not comfortable deploying your dapp to the Ethereum network yourself, some service providers can help. These service providers can help you with everything from setting up a testnet to deploying your dapp to the mainnet. Using a service provider, you can focus on building your dapp while leaving the deployment process to someone else. Along with Block Gemini, other companies that provide deployment services include Infura, Microsoft Azure, and AWS.
8. Monitor Your Dapp
Monitoring your dapp is an integral part of the development process. By monitoring your dapp, you can be sure that it is running smoothly and that there are no issues. You can use several tools to monitor your dapp, including open-source tools like EtherScan and paid services like New Relic. By monitoring your dapp, you can be sure that it is running as intended and that users can interact with it as intended.
Also, it is crucial to hire expert developers to monitor your dapp as they are aware of all the latest trends and can help you save time and money. But many companies get confused about . Block Gemini provides the best blockchain developers hourly, monthly, or project.
9. Keep Your Private Keys Safe
When working with Ethereum, keeping your private keys safe is essential. Private keys are used to sign transactions, giving you ownership of your ETH balance. If your private keys are lost or stolen, your ETH balance could be at risk. Always store your private keys in a safe place and never share them with anyone.
It is also suggested to use a hardware wallet like Ledger Nano S or Trezor to store your private keys. These hardware wallets are physical devices that can be used to store your private keys offline. By storing your private keys offline, you can ensure they are safe from hackers.