If you're deciding between Rust and Solidity for blockchain development, consider your career goals and the current job market.
Solidity is the go-to language for building on Ethereum and EVM-compatible blockchains like Binance Smart Chain and Polygon. These platforms dominate blockchain applications, including DeFi and NFTs, making Solidity a safer choice for entering the job market quickly. If your goal is to work on smart contracts and dApps, Solidity aligns well.
Rust, on the other hand, is used in high-performance blockchains like Solana, Polkadot, and Near. These ecosystems focus more on infrastructure and protocol development. Rust’s growing popularity is creating unique opportunities, especially in areas like blockchain architecture and Layer 1 development.
For career prospects:
Short-Term: Solidity offers more immediate opportunities due to the large Ethereum ecosystem. With one year of JavaScript experience, you’ll find Solidity easier to learn.
Long-Term: Rust can set you apart as a blockchain engineer. It’s ideal for building foundational systems, which are highly valued in leadership roles.
If you plan to grow into a senior or leadership position, consider starting with Solidity to build experience. Once you’ve gained a foothold, adding Rust to your skills will make you versatile and ready for advanced roles.
In short, choose Solidity for faster entry and Rust to stand out in the future. Combining both will give you an edge in the blockchain job market.