It is no secret that JavaScript is one of the most commonly used programming languages. As we see blockchain become more prominent in the mainstream tech world, it is worth looking at the idea of blockchain in JavaScript. Today we are going to go over this topic in depth.

Why is JavaScript so important you may ask. JavaScript, or JS is considered as a universal programming language, and today around 97% of all browser software is developed using JavaScript. It is also an extremely dynamic and pragmatic language. For these reasons and more, it is a favorite among coders everywhere. Some important sites that work on JavaScript are Medium, Spotify, GitHub, UpWork, and Twitter, among others.

The implementation of JavaScript into blockchain means that more and more developers can get into coding blockchain, without the need to learn more complex languages like Rust or Solidity. This lowers the bar for already technically literate programmers who may be otherwise put off by the idea of learning a new coding language. In this way, we can see that JavaScript as an alternative is a great way to get new people into blockchain development.

Table of Contents

• How to Build a Blockchain?
• What Does your Blockchain do?
• Deciding on a Consensus System
• Choosing the Right Blockchain Platform
• How to Build a Blockchain in JavaScript?
• Blockchain in JavaScript - Back End Development
• Blockchain in JavaScript - Front End Design
• JavaScript Blockchain Projects – Examples
• How to Become a Blockchain Developer?
• Creating a Blockchain in JavaScript

How to Build a Blockchain?

Blockchain development can be a lengthy process and requires a great deal of consideration. It starts with a functional idea. Why am I creating a blockchain system? Why not create another kind of program? Of course, there are a variety of good reasons to build a program using blockchain, these include:

• Increased security in the program
• More communal input
• Implementation of tokenomics
• Greater sense of transparency

But how does one build a blockchain? Let’s go over some essentials before looking at how JavaScript is used in blockchain.

What Does your Blockchain do?

Use cases are essential to the development of a blockchain platform. If it isn’t clear what the system brings to the table, there is no real incentive for communities to use it. The most popular use case today is that of monetized, transactional systems. This is a complex way of saying a money based system.

As a result of this, you will generally need a hook, or something more dynamic for your blockchain. This could be a reward system, or a platform for decentralized finance, as an example. If you are going to have a platform that incorporates tokens or coins, however, it is important that your transaction speed is high enough to be practically applicable.

There are also a variety of other use cases like supply chain management, digital identity, enterprise, and art. Whatever your chosen use case may be, having a clear and concise idea of what your system will accomplish is paramount, after that it is all development.

Deciding on a Consensus System

The heart of any system is its consensus mechanism. This is the powerhouse of the chain and will determine key concepts like transaction speed, security, and accessibility for your community. There are many chains you can choose to build on, this will define the consensus mechanisms that you can use to build your protocol. Each consensus system will have a different effect on the final chain you are trying to produce.

Some of these systems include:

• BFT (Byzantine Fault Tolerance)
• DPoS (Delegated-Proof-of-Stake)
• PoA (Proof-of-Authority)
• PoW (Proof-of-Work)
• PoS (Proof-of-Stake)

The first consensus mechanism is key to the functioning of the Lisk protocol, a layer 1 blockchain that allows developers to create blockchain applications using JavaScript. All other consensus mechanisms can be built into applications built off of the Lisk mainnet.

It is important to go through these styles of consensus creation and understand their differences. Alternatively, you may choose to use an enterprise blockchain system, systems that are built for business and don’t require as much back-end development. You may also want to take the middle ground and use a hybrid system incorporating essences of both.

Choosing the Right Blockchain Platform

Some developers choose to build using smart contract technology. In this case, a coder would not be building their own blockchain but instead would be building on top of an existing chain. This makes a huge difference in price and functionality of your chain. If you build off of one chain, your system will be required to work off of mainly the same rules as the parent chain.

Using the Lisk SDK, you can build alongside the blockchain. Sidechain technology, as it is known, allows for greater autonomy, reduced fees, and greater speed efficiency. Not to mention, the implementation of JavaScript to produce it.

As an example, if you build your blockchain off of the Ethereum network, your users will need to pay gas fees to transfer assets. Others may have a slower processing time or be less eco-friendly.

How to Build a Blockchain in JavaScript?

As we mentioned from the start, the language we use makes all the difference. Most systems require you to learn specific coding languages for each different system you are building or building on. As an example, Solidity is the language of the Ethereum network. If you choose to build a system based off of the Ethereum platform, you will need to know Solidity to develop it.

This is why the ability to use JavaScript as a coding language for blockchain is so important. Seeing that so many developers already know this language, it gives them an easier point of entry into the space. This makes JS an ideal place to start in the blockchain space – especially if we add blockchain development tutorials to the learning process.

Moreover, by using the Lisk SDK (Software Development Kit) you can have full access to the Lisk Framework and Lisk Commander that will allow you to immediately start building blockchain in JavaScript. The rest is simply using your knowledge and understanding to build your specific project. It is that simple.

If you already know how to code using JavaScript, then the major decisions come down to back end development (how the system works), and the front end design (how it looks).

Blockchain in JavaScript - Back End Development

Development of the back-end is extremely important. This takes into consideration key topics such as the consensus mechanisms, tokenization, utility and governance, and many other important operational details. These factors decide the functionality of the chain, which is ultimately what communities will look for in your final product.

Tokenization is a critical point that needs to be considered. This is the idea of coinage on your chain. There may be more than one coin, there may be coins that perform a variety of functions, and ultimately, this results in the amount of coins or tokens that will exist as a whole on your network.

APIs are another important part of JavaScript blockchain development as these are the relays between the back end and front end of the system. These need to be considered to define how the different components of the chain will work. The APIs create autonomy so that there is no lag or disconnect between the front and back end of the system.

Blockchain in JavaScript - Front End Design

This side of JavaScript in the blockchain development process allows a lot more liberty. Design can give the system a fun, or serious look depending on your needs. Just as with JS for web development, using JavaScript for designing blockchain is more straightforward than many other programming languages.

JavaScript offers a fairly simple way to create the look of your chain for the greatest sense of functionality while still being flexible when it comes to design. With marketing becoming such a large part of blockchain success, this is essential when developing and building the product that you want to bring to your community.

Knowing how to use JavaScript in blockchain is a great way to get started in the space. This is especially true if you are looking for a career in blockchain. Next we are going to look at some cases of blockchain systems built with JavaScript to illustrate this point.

JavaScript Web3 Projects – Examples

At present there are a limited number of platforms that effectively allow building web3 projects in JavaScript. We will be looking at some systems already built on the Lisk chain. Lisk is the only blockchain protocol that actively approaches blockchain in this manner, and provides greater accessibility to developers. If you are a JavaScript developer, this could be the solution for you.

Idntty

Idntty is a platform for digital identity storage. They use JavaScript for an easy interface and a framework that people can utilize in a simple and effective manner. Blockchain on the other hand allows for the security of cloud data storage to be used in a way that is both functional and effective.

Digital identity is a topic that has always been prominent in the blockchain space. It takes the basic needs of people, digital security, and provides a platform that is completely reliable. When using blockchain technology for this kind of use case, you’re never required to present information, you are simply required to prove the information. This can be done without sharing any unnecessary or critical data.

In addition, Idntty uses eSignature technology to create deals and agreements between the relevant parties. Immutability, the fact that uploaded information can’t be changed, which is a well known core concept of blockchain, makes this system work. You can rest assured that your digital identity is kept safe and that deals made are stored reliably.

Kalipo

Built off of the same technology, the Lisk SDK, Kalipo focuses on governance and decision making. In recent years DAOs [Decentralized Autonomous Organizations] have proven to be a worthwhile extension of human governance practices. It facilitates quick and effective voting for a more equal and straightforward process of building consensus. Kalipo’s focus is this exactly.

JavaScript offered a simpler path to create a flexible system for groups of people to come to a fair decision. Kalipo offers a solution for decision making which streamline the process but also allows for audit and greater transparency. This is guided by the blockchain application created by the Lisk SDK.

Enevti

NFTs are also an increasingly important part of blockchain technology today. This technology is pushing digital ownership and showing its dynamism with every new project created. Nowhere is this more true than with the social media NFT system Enevti.

Connecting followers with influencers through NFTs gives a greater connection between the two groups. Enevti bridges influencers with their communities and allows for a more genuine and fully realized sense of community.

As you can see, JavaScript for blockchain is changing the way we think about the space. We take the technology to the client rather than bring the client to the technology. This way JavaScript developers can get the support they need to create the programs that they want.

How to Become a Blockchain Developer?

If you already have experience in web development or JavaScript coding, then it is easy to answer this question. You simply need to take the skills that you already have and come up with a creative idea worth building on. That’s all there really is to it.

In the world of blockchain, people are often put off by the technical aspects prevalent in this industry. They feel that there are so many moving pieces and such a mixture of concepts that it is impossible to grasp. This said, the great scope of the blockchain world is mass adoption. Any true believer in blockchain technology will tell you that the more involved you become in this arena, the better.

This all comes from having the tools and understanding that is required to become a blockchain developer.

JavaScript is a programming language that has been around for a long time. Many people have chosen it as their primary, or sole, language for development. This is a good thing. It means that there has been a lot of time and opportunity to look at it critically and build on it. Now, it is going even further into its development by now embracing the blockchain world too.

Creating a Blockchain in JavaScript

Now the question comes less down to how can I create a blockchain using JavaScript, and when should I start? If you already have the skills to code using JS, then the door is open using the Lisk SDK and some hard work. There is no limit to what can be created using this tool and using the technology of blockchain.

Creating effective and useful blockchain tools is becoming easier for everyone. If you are the kind of creative and methodical person that believes they can create the next big blockchain idea, then you should certainly look into doing so using JavaScript.

Is JavaScript Used to Create Blockchain Programs?

Yes, now with the development of SDK tools to create blockchain applications, it is possible to create blockchain programs using JS. There are many examples of this such as Idntty, Kalipo, and Enevti.

What is an SDK?

A Software Development Kit is a simple to use tool that allows for developers to open and start developing with. With SDKs you only need to have the capacity to code front and back end to your specifications and you can leave the heavy lifting out of it.

Why is JavaScript a Preferable Language for Building Blockchain?

Some of the fundamental development languages, like C++, HTML, and Python, help developers build useful tools like websites. However, to get into blockchain coding, there is a lot more difficulty since you usually need to learn an entirely new language to do so. JavaScript is a good neutral ground on which to grow and build your platform.