DEV Community: Chukwuechezonam❤

My learning experience with Web3ladies

Chukwuechezonam❤ — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 14:19:26 +0000

Introduction.

I was accepted into the Web3ladies cohort 3 mentorship program, and for the past few weeks, I've been learning the fundamentals of web3, blockchain, Ethereum, and other technologies. In this blog, I'll be sharing what I've learned so far.

The differences between Web 1, Web 2, and Web3.

Web 1

What Exactly Is Web 1.0? The original iteration of the Internet, known as Web 1.0, was developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and was the first global network to reflect the future of digital communications. It describes the initial "iteration" of what eventually developed into a platform with significant multi-functional applications. The early Internet consisted largely of web pages connected by hyperlinks, lacking the modern-day extra images, controls, and forms. It was a "read-only" web or one that wasn't interactive in any meaningful way, according to experts. The majority of web users were passive, and most user inputs occurred offline. Individual webpages were often composed of static pages that were stored on free web hosting services or web servers maintained by internet service providers (ISPs).

Here are a few characteristics found in Web 1.0:

Its made up of static pages connected to a system via hyperlinks
It has HTML 3.2 elements like frames and tables
HTML forms get sent through e-mail
The content comes from the server's filesystem, not a relational database management system
It features GIF buttons and graphics

Web 2

Web 2.0 refers to the second generation of the World Wide Web, which is centered on enabling online collaboration and information sharing. In its simplest form, Web 2.0 describes the shift away from static HTML Web pages and toward a more dynamic Web that is better organized and built around providing Web applications to users.

Heres a breakdown of typical Web 2.0 characteristics:

It offers free information sorting, allowing users to retrieve and classify data collectively
It contains dynamic content that responds to the users input
It employs Developed Application Programming Interfaces (API)

- It encourages self-usage and allows forms of interaction like:

- Podcasting

- Social media

- Blogging

- Commenting

Web content voting
- Its used by society at large and not limited to specific communities.

Web 3

The third generation of web technologies is known as Web 3.0 (Web3). The World Wide Web, commonly referred to as the web, serves as the basic building block of the internet by offering website and application services.

There isn't a single, accepted definition of Web 3.0 because it is continually changing and being defined. However, it is evident that Web 3.0 will heavily emphasize decentralized applications and utilize blockchain-based technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will both be used in Web 3.0 to enable smarter, more adaptive applications.

Heres a list of typical Web 3.0 characteristics:

It's a semantic web, where the web technology evolves into a tool that lets users create, share, and connect content via search and analysis.
It is based on comprehension of words instead of numbers and keywords.
It incorporates Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. If these concepts are combined with Natural Language Processing (NLP), the result is a computer that uses Web 3.0 to become smarter and more responsive to user needs.
It presents the connectivity of multiple devices and applications through the Internet of Things (IoT). Semantic metadata makes this process possible, allowing all available information to be effectively leveraged. In addition, people can connect to the Internet anytime, anywhere, without needing a computer or smart device.
It offers users the freedom to interact publicly or privately without having an intermediary expose them to risks, therefore offering people trustless data.
It uses 3-D graphics. In fact, we already see this in computer games, virtual tours, and e-commerce. It facilitates participation without needing authorization from a governing body. Its permissionless.
It can be used for:
-Metaverses: A 3D-rendered, boundless, virtual world

- -Blockchain games: They allow users to have actual ownership of in-game resources, following the principles of NFTs

Privacy and digital infrastructure: This use includes zero-knowledge proofs and more secure personal information
- -Decentralized finance. This use includes payment Blockchains, peer-to-peer digital financial transactions, smart contracts, and cryptocurrency Decentralized autonomous organizations. Community members own online communities.

The differences

From the aforementioned traits, it is simple to distinguish between web 1, web 2, and web 3.

Blockchain

A blockchain is a shared distributed database or ledger between computer network nodes. A blockchain serves as an electronic database for storing data in digital form. The most well-known use of blockchain technology is for preserving a secure and decentralized record of transactions in cryptocurrency systems like Bitcoin. The innovation of a blockchain is that it fosters confidence without the necessity for a reliable third party by ensuring the fidelity and security of a record of data.

The Function of a Blockchain

Blockchain aims to make it possible to share and record digital information without editing it. A blockchain serves as the basis for immutable ledgers, or records of transactions that cannot be changed, removed, or destroyed. Blockchains are also referred to as Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT). The blockchain idea was first put forth as a research project in 1991, long before Bitcoin became a widely used application in 2009. Since then, the introduction of numerous cryptocurrencies, decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and smart contracts has led to explosive growth in the use of blockchains.

Features of Blockchain

1. Immutable

The blockchain is considered immutable if it cannot be changed and is thus a permanent network. For blockchain technology to work, nodes must be present. The digital ledger is replicated on every node in the network. Every node verifies a transaction's legality before adding it, and if the majority of nodes agree that it is valid, the transaction is added to the network. This means that no one may add any transaction blocks to the ledger without the consent of a majority of nodes. Any records that have been validated cannot be modified or reversed. As a result, no user on the network will be able to modify, alter, or remove it.

2. Distributed

For complete transparency, a copy of the ledger is available to all network users. A public ledger will give complete details on all users and transactions on the network. A better result is guaranteed by the spread of computational power among the machines. One of the key characteristics of blockchains is a distributed ledger for a variety of reasons, including: Since changes in a distributed ledger spread quickly, following what is happening in the ledger is simple. The ledger must be kept up to date, and every node on the blockchain network must take part in the validation. Due to the blockchain's lack of intermediaries, every change to the ledger will be updated in seconds or minutes. Other properties include:

3. Decentralized

4. Secure

5. Faster Settlement

Advantages and Disadvantages of Blockchain.

Pros

Improved accuracy by removing human involvement in verification
Cost reductions by eliminating third-party verification
Decentralization makes it harder to tamper with
Transactions are secure, private, and efficient
Transparent technology
Provides a banking alternative and a way to secure personal information for citizens of countries with unstable or underdeveloped governments

Cons

Significant technology costs associated with mining bitcoin
Low transactions per second
History of use in illicit activities, such as on the dark web
Regulation varies by jurisdiction and remains uncertain
Data storage limitation

The functioning of the blockchain is dependent on three components: data, hash, and previous block hash.

Step 1:Data

The type of data stored in a block differs based on the blockchain. If the data is about Bitcoin, the blockchain maintains information about a transaction such as the sender, receiver, and transaction amount.

Step 2: hash

A hash, similar to a fingerprint, is also included in the block. When a block is created, its hash is computed. If something changes within the block, the hash will change as well. That is why hashing aids in detecting changes in a blockchain. If a block's fingerprint changes, it is no longer the same block.

Step 3: Previous data hash

A hash of a previous block is the final piece in a blockchain. The hash of the preceding block aids in the creation of a chain, and as a result of these aspects, the blockchain is extremely secure to trust and use. In a blockchain, each block is linked to the previous hash's data, but if any of the blocks' data is tampered with, the hash changes instantly, and the subsequent block recognizes it and makes the changes immediately.

Computers nowadays are capable of storing hundreds of thousands of hashes each second. To make the blockchain valid again, the hash of tampered blocks is altered by default, as are the hashes of other blocks. This is accomplished with the assistance of proof of work that has been discussed above.

Ethereum and Bitcoin

Ethereum

Ethereum is a blockchain-based decentralized global software platform at its heart. It is well known for ether, often known as ETH, which is its native cryptocurrency.

Anyone can use Ethereum to develop any secure digital technology. There is a token built into it specifically for usage on the blockchain network, but users may also use it to pay for tasks done on the blockchain.

Scalable, programmable, secure, and decentralized are all features of Ethereum. It is the blockchain of choice for businesses and developers who are building technology on top of it to transform several sectors and how we live our daily lives.

Bitcoin

The first and most well-known cryptocurrency is called Bitcoin. Through the use of a decentralized protocol, cryptography, and a means to reach international consensus on the status of a regularly updated public transaction record known as a "blockchain," it permits peer-to-peer exchange of value in the digital sphere. The digital currency known as bitcoin has a known monetary policy that is arguably unchangeable can be transmitted internationally without requiring a centralized middleman and exists outside of any government, state, or financial institution.

Bitcoin can be viewed as a political, philosophical, and economic system on a deeper level. This is because of how many technical elements it incorporates, how many actors and stakeholders it engages, and how the protocol modification process works.

Both the monetary unit known as Bitcoin and the Bitcoin software protocol, both of which have the ticker symbol BTC, are referred to as "Bitcoin.

Smart Contracts

Simply put, smart contracts are blockchain-based algorithms that execute when certain criteria are met. They are often used to automate the implementation of an agreement so that all parties can be certain of the conclusion right away, without the need for an intermediary or additional delay. They can also automate a workflow such that when circumstances are met, the following action is executed.

How smart contracts work

Smart contracts work by following simple if/whenthen statements that are written into code on a blockchain. A network of computers executes the actions when predetermined conditions have been met and verified. These actions could include releasing funds to the appropriate parties, registering a vehicle, sending notifications, or issuing a ticket. The blockchain is then updated when the transaction is completed. That means the transaction cannot be changed, and only parties who have been granted permission can see the results.

Within a smart contract, there can be as many stipulations as needed to satisfy the participants that the task will be completed satisfactorily. To establish the terms, participants must determine how transactions and their data are represented on the blockchain, agree on the if/when...then rules that govern those transactions, explore all possible exceptions, and define a framework for resolving disputes.

Then the smart contract can be programmed by a developer although increasingly, organizations that use blockchain for business provide templates, web interfaces, and other online tools to simplify structuring smart

Benefits of smart contracts

Speed, efficiency, and accuracy Once a condition is met, the contract is executed immediately. Because smart contracts are digital and automated, theres no paperwork to process and no time spent reconciling errors that often result from manually filling in documents.
Trust and transparency Because theres no third party involved, and because encrypted records of transactions are shared across participants, theres no need to question whether information has been altered for personal benefit.

-Security Blockchain transaction records are encrypted, which makes them very hard to hack. Moreover, because each record is connected to the previous and subsequent records on a distributed ledger, hackers would have to alter the entire chain to change a single record.

Savings Smart contracts remove the need for intermediaries to handle transactions and, by extension, their associated time delays and fees.

DApps

Decentralized applications (dApps) are digital applications or programs that exist and run on a blockchain or peer-to-peer (P2P) network of computers instead of a single computer. DApps (also called "apps") are outside the purview and control of a single authority. DAppswhich are often built on the Ethereum platformcan be developed for a variety of purposes including gaming, finance, and social media.

Ethereum mining

Mining is the process of creating a block of transactions to be added to the Ethereum blockchain.

The word mining originates in the context of the gold analogy for crypto currencies. Gold or precious metals are scarce, and so are digital tokens, and the only way to increase the total volume is through mining. This is appropriate to the extent that in Ethereum too, the only mode of issuance post launch is via mining. Unlike these examples, however, mining is also the way to secure the network by creating, verifying, publishing, and propagating blocks in the blockchain.

Mining ether = Securing the Network

Ethereum, like Bitcoin, currently uses a proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanism. Mining is the lifeblood of proof-of-work. Ethereum miners - computers running software - use their time and computation power to process transactions and produce blocks.

Conclusion

One of my favorite aspects of Web3ladies' teaching methodology is that we are provided with lesson materials that we can utilize to continue learning and conducting research even after class. These are some of the new things I discovered while in this pre-prep phase of Web3ladies cohort 3, and I look forward to discovering more in the future.

How To Advance Quicker As A Novice Developer

Chukwuechezonam❤ — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 01:22:29 +0000

Introduction

As we are all aware, the internet has been helpful to us for a very long time; some people use it to improve themselves, while others use it to vent their frustrations. Anyone who wants to advance their knowledge and develop themselves has access to the internet at all times. Online groups, courses, and resources of all kinds enable us to distinguish ourselves as self-taught developers in the field.

Online Courses

There are many resources out there that can assist you in becoming a self-taught developer. Self-taught developers are common in the technology sector. The platforms that offer online courses to assist you to launch your profession are listed below.

1. FreeCodeCamp

One of the most well-known coding websites online is FreeCodeCamp. The curriculum is organized properly and is suitable for beginners. Lessons from FreeCodeCamp are included in the curricula of many boot camps. One of the most active programming communities online is the FreeCodeCamp.

The fact that you receive feedback right away after submitting your solution to a task is another fantastic feature of FreeCodeCamp. It helps you gauge how much of the information you've learned has stuck with you.

2.W3schools

Since 1998, W3Schools has been in existence. It is among the oldest and most comprehensive online coding instructional tools. Nearly every area of web development is covered in their course catalog. You can decide to make it your primary source of knowledge. or as a source of information.

The Try It Yourself tool on W3Schools, allows users to experiment with code "to see what works and what does not, before implementing it.

3. AptLearn

With a mission to improve lives through learning, AptLearn is an online learning platform that helps learners gain on-demand tech skills they need to compete in today's economy and acquire professional certificates at a fraction of the cost and time.

4. Coursera

Coursera is an open online course website featuring post-secondary courses from top global academic institutions. Most courses are free to take and consist of watching lecture videos and presentations, doing readings, holding discussions with other students, and completing assignments and quizzes.

Community.

Coding alone won't help you differentiate yourself as a developer. Developing relationships with others is crucial. As a self-taught developer, networking and engaging in communities can help you advance. Twitter is the ideal platform for these activities. You can join their tech groups, ask for help when you need it, share your knowledge with them, help the community's newcomers, and take part in their calls or events every week or month. You'll get better at these things, and people will find out more about you.

The list of communities that you can join is provided below.

1. Google developers circle.

2.Tech twitter.

3. Genz techies

4. Dev careers

5. She Code Africa

6. Web3 ladies Community

7. Empower Her

8. Adora Hack Study Group

Key points

In this article, I listed some of the numerous platforms for learning web development. You could also check google or even Youtube to discover more learning channels. So don't wait till tomorrow, start learning now.

💙Follow me on Twitter to know more about my self-taught journey.

My frontend development journey so far

Chukwuechezonam❤ — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 15:16:32 +0000

Hey guys,

In this article, I'm going to talk about how I decided to be a developer and the challenges faced. I hope this narrative will inspire you and that you will enjoy my article.

Introduction.

So I grew up in a family of six people, including myself, and all of my siblings were in science programs, but my parents were bankers. I decided at a young age that instead of following in my siblings' footsteps, I wanted to be a chartered accountant. I adore watching sci-fi movies, and I used to watch The Flash because I enjoyed how Cisco was always on his computer doing great things,

but I had no idea what it was all about.

First encounter.

I was originally introduced to scratch programming in JSS2 in secondary school, but I didn't pay much attention because I intended to be a petroleum engineer at the time. The only thing I knew about Scratch was that it could be used to create games. Let us fast forward to October of last year, when I had completed secondary school and was looking forward to studying petroleum engineering at Unilag, but that did not work out. My sister was creating a Christmas countdown website, which piqued my interest. She was writing something different than the standard English we used. That got my engine going, then she demonstrated what it was all about and told me it was called "FRONT END DEVELOPMENT." Since the globe is in an IT age and I wasn't in school, I learned that this type of developer produces websites. I enjoyed making websites over time, so I changed my course to computer science so that I could do something relevant.

Getting started

HTML was the first programming language I ever learned. I began my learning by utilizing Edureka's web development video on YouTube, and I noted the roadmap they were employing. I won't lie, there were times when I considered giving up; but I had only just begun. I followed my oldest sister's advice to buy a book to record what I learned. I began making notes and writing down the definitions of the HTML tags, which helped me become comfortable with them ( p.s: I advise anyone that wants to learn any language to get a journal to keep notes, it helps). The part that fascinated me the most was when I would type a line of code and then see the results of that code when I opened the browser. To me, it was almost magical.

Leveling up

CSS was the following language to learn. I learned that this programming language provides style to your website whereas HTML provided structure. Compared to HTML, CSS was far more open-ended. I was determined to learn how to style selectors, which involved determining which one would have (.) or (#) before creating the name. After that, I continue with pseudo selectors like hover, active, visited, etc. I also learned how to use them. hen came box units (border, content, margin, and padding), CSS units, alignment, and text decoration.

Challenge

After some time, I decided to create a simple website. When I attempted to use the link in the browser to open the website on my phone and it failed, I cried. After much trial and error and the realization that I was doing nothing well, I chose to go to sleep.

Solution

The next day, I discovered that the reason it didn't work was that I didn't host it and that I was supposed to make it responsive again, wow. I returned to CSS to learn more about responsive design, gradients, and animations.

Break

Around this time, I began attending JAMB classes, so I put the video tutorial on hold and instead began learning from Agba Akin on Twitter. I was intrigued when someone offered to teach the members of a certain group the fundamentals of Python. Even though python was not a necessary skill for a front-end developer to possess, I made time to attend our two weekly classes. I completed the Twitter classes, where I also received my first certificate. To further my knowledge, I also enrolled in an introductory course on Coursera.

The learning continues

I moved on to Javascript after my exam. After gaining a foundation, I choose to study a CSS framework. Bootstrap is the most popular, but I chose to study Tailwind CSS instead because I found it to be easier to grasp and comprehend.Dev careers offered me a scholarship that allowed me to use Progate for free for 90 days. We were instructed to tweet about them and use the hashtag #90daysofcode during this time. Due to a laptop problem, I was unable to complete the 90 days, but I did a post about my adventure for roughly 63 of those days. I picked up the fundamentals of Ruby, Ruby on Rails, Node JS, and SASS throughout those days. I enjoyed Ruby and Ruby on Rails and was able to understand SASS completely. As time goes on, I will continue to improve my skills in these areas. The 63 days were jam-packed with productivity; I learned a lot and built websites with Tailwind CSS made a front-end portfolio, also made a social media portfolio, and designed some cool websites. As a junior developer, I must admit that the opportunity I was given caused a mental shift. Now, I want to be a front-end developer, and I'm excited to see what the future holds.

Food for thought

Always remember this

Life Of A 17 Year Old Techie🥂

Chukwuechezonam❤ — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 02:11:00 +0000

MEET PRECIOUS😊

My name is Precious, I'm a front-end developer and social media manager. I’m seventeen years old, and I’m based in Lagos, Nigeria.

I have a lot of interests aside from coding some of which include: football, basketball, reading, singing, etc. I'm a PSG fan (because of Messi🐐), and my best basketballer is Giannis Antetokounmpo.

My tech career began on the 11th Of January 2022

but the first line of code I ever wrote was on the 3rd of November 2021 but I was not serious then😩.

After finishing secondary school last year, I was advised by my sister, Makuo who is a UI/UX designer to learn a tech skill. At first, I was reluctant but I later gave in. I didn't know what skill I wanted to learn at that point, so my sister asked if I would like to learn UI/UX but to me, it looked hard so I declined.

Then in December last year, she was making a website countdown to Christmas and that got my attention, then she told me about front-end development and I was interested in it. So anytime she wasn't using her laptop I took it to watch tutorial videos and practice too. This was in January and at that time Agba Akin was teaching front-end development on Twitter and I followed up with that.

Then along the line, I started going for JAMB lessons and so I practiced less. I told my best friend about tech and she is currently on her front-end journey while Zita another friend of mine is on her UI/UX career path.

Now let me talk about my social media management career👩‍💻 I applied for an internship at a company and I got accepted. I was assigned the role of handling their social media account and I had no idea how to do that but I was coached on how to go about it, so far it has been going well.

I want to start a career path in technical writing and within a few weeks, I'll write articles helping people to choose the right tech path and all that.

It could be hard to figure out the right path to take in tech and I hope to help you guys discover it in a few weeks.

Feel free to contact me via email: chibundumozia@gmail.com