Welcome to the Ethereum First Steps Repository, a curated collection of resources, tools, and tutorials to help developers dive into Web3, blockchain, and decentralized application (dApp) development. Whether you're a beginner learning about blockchain or an experienced developer exploring advanced Web3 concepts, this repository is your one-stop shop for getting started and building in the decentralized world.
🐺🐺 Crafted by Urbe.eth developers. 🐺🐺
- First Steps
- Courses for Beginners
- Get Your Hands Dirty
- Advanced Topics
- Tools
- DApps
- Interesting People to Follow
- Community and Opportunities
- License
Start here to understand the core concepts of blockchain, decentralization, and Web3 development. These resources are beginner-friendly and provide a solid foundation for learning Ethereum.
- Ethereum.org - What is Ethereum? [Article]: Official guide to Ethereum, covering blockchain basics and principles. It explains topics like what a blockchain is, what Ethereum can do, the difference between Ethereum and Bitcoin, and more. A must-read for beginners.
- What is Ethereum? A Beginner's Explanation in Plain English [Video]: An older but excellent video starting from Bitcoin to explain how Ethereum was created and its structure, including smart contracts. Great for an overview.
- Introduction to Smart Contracts [Article]: Introduction to smart contracts from the Solidity documentation website. Explore additional resources like this example of a simple smart contract and this introduction to the Ethereum Virtual Machine.
- What is a Wallet? [Article]: An overview of wallets and their purpose in Ethereum.
- What is Gas in Blockchains? [Video]: A great visual explanation of the concept of gas and gas fees in blockchain.
- Blockchain Glossary [Glossary]: A comprehensive glossary for blockchain terms, perfect for clarifying unfamiliar concepts.
- FinソーFinematics on YouTube [YouTube Channel]: A channel that explains complex blockchain concepts in a visual and accessible way.
This is a collection of interactive courses to start diving into Web3 development.
- CryptoZombies - Beginner to Intermediate Smart Contracts [Course]: A fun and accessible tutorial on writing smart contracts in Solidity. Many great developers, including myself, started here.
- Blockchain Basics by Cyfrin Updraft [Course]: A comprehensive course for mastering smart contract development, starting from the basics and progressing to advanced topics. Cyfrin offers certificates of completion, ideal for job seekers.
- Ethereum Developer Bootcamp by Alchemy [Course]: A complete course on blockchain development, teaching full-stack decentralized applications with certification from Alchemy.
- Web2 to Web3 YouTube Series by BuidlGuidl [Video Series]: For developers with Web2 experience, this series covers theory, concepts, and the SpeedrunEthereum challenges for full-stack Web3 development.
- Explain Me Like I'm 5 [Resource]: A curated list of Web3 concepts and tools explained in simple diagrams, curated by Suhail. Highly recommended for quick reference.
The best way to learn is by doing. Start experimenting with these platforms now!
- SpeedrunEthereum by BuidlGuidl [Challenges]: A set of challenges from BuidlGuidl to build projects like NFT deployers, staking apps, DEXes, and advanced applications like prediction markets or over-collateralized lending platforms. Uses ScaffoldETH to kickstart Ethereum projects.
- Ethernaut by OpenZeppelin [Challenges]: Smart contract challenges starting with simple tasks like wallet connections and progressing to advanced security challenges like hacking contracts.
Explore these resources if you have a solid understanding of blockchain, have experimented with Solidity, and built small dApps.
- Blocks in Ethereum [Article]: In-depth explanation of blocks in the Ethereum blockchain.
- Proof of Stake vs. Proof of Work Explained [Video]: Explanation of the two most common consensus mechanisms in blockchains, ideal for understanding block creation.
- What is a Layer 2 Blockchain? [Article]: A clear explanation of Layer 2 blockchains.
- Ethereum Rollups (Layer 2 Explainer) [Video]: A visual explanation of rollups, a key Layer 2 scaling solution.
- Introduction to Zero Knowledge Proofs [Article]: Introduction to zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), used in Layer 2 scaling solutions and protocols like Tornado Cash. Recommended if you’re interested in advanced cryptography.
The right tools are essential for Web3 development. Below are the best tools and frameworks for writing, testing, and deploying smart contracts and dApps.
- Remix IDE [Tool]: A browser-based IDE for writing, compiling, and deploying smart contracts on any chain, with templates for standards like ERC-20.
- Hardhat [Tool]: Ethereum development environment for building, testing, and deploying smart contracts using Solidity and JavaScript.
- Foundry [Tool]: A fast, Solidity-based framework for building, testing, and deploying smart contracts, widely used by professionals and security researchers.
- ScaffoldETH [Tool]: A complete set of tools for building full-stack decentralized applications on Ethereum, great for experimentation and learning.
The best way to understand Ethereum and blockchain is to be a user. Explore these wallets, dApps, and protocols to practice interacting with the blockchain and discover Ethereum applications.
- Get a Wallet: MetaMask is the most popular wallet. Other great options include Rabby and Phantom.
- Buy Cryptocurrency: Base App (formerly Coinbase Wallet) offers a smooth onboarding experience for buying cryptocurrencies. Alternatives include MoonPay and PayPal.
- Swap Cryptocurrencies: Uniswap is a decentralized exchange for swapping cryptocurrencies using liquidity pools. Uniswap has multiple versions; choose the one that suits you. You can also provide liquidity and earn fees.
- Buy NFTs: OpenSea is the largest NFT marketplace. Experiment with buying and selling NFTs to understand their mechanics, though prices can be volatile.
- Get an Ethereum Name: ENS (Ethereum Name Service) allows you to buy a unique name tied to your Ethereum address, simplifying token transfers.
- Lend and Borrow: Aave is a lending protocol where you can deposit tokens to earn fees or borrow tokens using other tokens as collateral.
- Bet on Events: Polymarket allows you to bet on real-world event outcomes, like Will Elon Register the America Party?.
- Join a Decentralized Social Network: Create a profile on Farcaster to join the Web3 community on a decentralized social platform.
Join the Web3 community and explore opportunities like hackathons and grants to grow your skills and network.
- ETHGlobal [Hackathons]: They organize the biggest hackathons all around the world. If you are an ETHGlobal winner you can be considered an OG.
- DoraHacks [Hackathons]: This platform offers a huge variety of hackathons (online & IRL) on Ethereum and other platforms.
- ETHRome [Hackathons]: The one and only IRL hackathon in Italy. Happening in Rome on 17-19 October 25. Join the hack, become a web3 empereor and meet brilliant people.
- Urbe Village [IRL Community Events]: A web3 Pop-up city filled with web3 events, workshops and italian dinners. Happening in Rome on 5-19 October.
- Devconnect Buenos Aires [IRL Community Events]: Connect with other web3 builders and discover the future of the ethereum ecosystem.
- Gitcoin Grants [Funding]: Crowdfund your Web3 projects or contribute to open-source initiatives.
- Ethereum Foundation Grants [Funding]: Apply for funding to support Ethereum ecosystem projects.
This repository is licensed under the MIT License, ensuring open collaboration for the Web3 community.