Landing your first job as a Smart Contract developer is a top priority for anyone stepping into Web3 and blockchain development. The best way to prepare for the job market is by solving real-world problems and tackling challenges that sharpen your skills. However, it can be tough to decide which projects will push your skills to the limit while also maximizing your time and effort.
So, how can you create an impressive portfolio of Solidity projects to showcase your software development skills/capabilities that will set you apart from the competition and help you land your first job?
In this article, we’ve collected a list of the best beginner Solidity projects for your portfolio. These will help you practice your skills and ace your next portfolio review. You can build and refine on your own to position yourself as a star candidate. Ace the hiring process with an amazing blockchain developer portfolio.
If you have some background in computer science, you're likely aware that generating truly random numbers is a complex task for machines.
Typically, they rely on an empty space in memory and interpret it as "random enough." But this method falls short when it comes to creating a genuinely fair lottery system. Additionally, many lotteries have hidden rules or lack transparency in demonstrating that winners are selected fairly. An opaqueness reminiscent of the late 90s controversy surrounding McDonald’s multi-million dollar scam.
To build a truly random and fair lottery, it's essential to use a decentralized oracle like Chainlink, which is widely adopted across many web3 platforms.
Building this project for your portfolio will also help you understand how to integrate Chainlink services into smart contracts and effectively use decentralization to create a fair lottery system.
Follow Cyfrin Updraft tutorials to learn how to create a decentralized fair lottery from scratch. This popular Github repo can inspire you to create a simple, good-looking front End.
Creating a crowdfunding smart contract similar to platforms like Kickstarter is the simplest project on the list. It is also one of the most popular use cases for smart contracts in decentralized finance. Many web3 protocols depend on fundraising capabilities, and the ability to build a protocol like this from scratch is a standout feature for your Solidity development portfolio.
Check out our comprehensive guide on how to build your own crowdfunding platform from scratch, including a simple front-end interface.
Creating a Uniswap-style DeFi protocol is a challenging project that can make your Solidity portfolio stand out.
Uniswap is a decentralized exchange that allows users to trade cryptocurrencies directly from their wallets. By building a similar protocol, you’ll gain experience with key DeFi concepts like automated market making (AMM) and liquidity pools.
This project will highlight your ability to create complex smart contracts and deepen your understanding of decentralized finance.
This type of project can be more challenging as it requires more understanding of the finance math foundations and correct asset management. Cyfrin Updraft recently launched an entire course to teach you step-by-step how to create your Uniswap-based protocol.
This is a top choice if your time allows creating just one project on this list. Creating a simple ERC20 token is something almost anyone can do, even with zero coding experience, thanks to tools like the OpenZeppelin Wizard. However, developing a stablecoin is a completely different challenge.
This project will put all your knowledge to the test. It requires a deep understanding of smart contracts, tokenomics, and the mechanisms needed to maintain price stability.
Successfully building a stablecoin demonstrates your technical skills and your ability to handle one of the most complex and impactful applications in web3.
Cyfrin Updraft has a 5-hour step-by-step guide on how to create your own stablecoin from scratch.
A Decentralized Autonomous Organization, or DAO, is an organizational structure with no central governing authority. All participant-members of a DAO are eligible to vote on important decisions of the organization. Consensus must be reached before any proposal can be implemented. Many popular communities in the industry rely on DAOs, like Developer DAO and BuidlGuidl.
Mastering the process of building a DAO from the ground up, including implementing roles and creating a fair voting system, will significantly enhance your Solidity developer portfolio. Build your first DAO step-by-step on Updraft. And if you’re looking for a comprehensive full-stack DAO tutorial, don’t miss this must-watch video.
Throughout this list, we’ve shared impactful projects you can build for your Solidity developer portfolio with guidance from our courses.
However, if you want to take your skills to the next level and work on innovative new ideas, participating in a hackathon is a fantastic opportunity.
The experience will refine your technical abilities and demonstrate your capacity for teamwork and problem-solving. A well-executed hackathon project can be a standout addition to your Solidity developer portfolio.
Check hackathon pages like Devpost under the Blockchain category and sign up for any upcoming hackathon.
Working on the projects outlined in this article, you’ll build a strong Solidity developer portfolio that sets you apart in your job applications.
Each project has a detailed guide available on Updraft with step-by-step instructions to help you succeed. If you're eager to dive even deeper into smart contract development, Cyfrin Updraft also offers a wide range of courses covering various topics, from beginner to advanced levels.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, Cyfrin Updraft has the necessary resources to excel in the industry.
