Blockchain App Development | Why It's So Slow and How to Speed It Up
Edited By
Markus Klein
Building apps on the blockchain is becoming increasingly frustrating for developers. The time needed to ship these applications can be up to five times longer than equivalent traditional web applications. Key players in the field cite security, testing challenges, and tool limitations as major hurdles.
The Burden of Complexity
Developers frequently encounter issues related to gas optimization, transaction ordering, and block confirmations. As one developer pointed out,
"Simple features that take a day in Web2 take a week in Web3."
The tooling landscape is struggling to keep pace with user demands. Established frameworks and helpful error messages exist in the Web2 world, but those transitioning to Web3 often find themselves battling inadequate tools and sparse documentation.
Heavy Reliance on Testing
Testing in Web3 can be particularly arduous. Developers report facing challenges with running local nodes versus public testnets, which they describe as slow and unreliable. One developer stated,
"Running local nodes or using public testnets is complicated and debugging is harder than in Web2."
Using specialized testing setups, like the Caldera testnet, has demonstrated some positive results. This integration allows developers to mirror production environments closely, resulting in fewer unexpected bugs during deployment.
Optimizing for Speed
Amidst the complexities, there are methods to cut down on development time. One significant change involves deploying on Layer 2 (L2) solutions, which offer lower gas fees. As expressed by another user,
“We stopped trying to optimize everything for mainnet gas costs. L2 allows us not to sacrifice code quality for savings.”
Improving abstraction and using more familiar programming languages like TypeScript could also help, as suggested by developers focused on simplifying the blockchain app development process.
Major Themes Emerging from the Community
Complex Smart Contracts: Developers find that the complexity of the smart contract significantly affects development timelines, especially when involving security and multiple contracts.
Client Communication: Many developers agree that issues arise when clients are not clear about their needs, adding to development time.
Tool Limitations: The lack of mature tools is a common frustration that makes Web3 development more cumbersome than necessary.
Key Insights:
🔸 "Simple features that take a day in Web2 take a week in Web3."
🚀 Using L2 solutions can save time and cost.
💬 Improved client communication can streamline development.
The road ahead for blockchain app developers remains challenging but rich with opportunities for innovation and growth. As teams continue to find ways to speed up their processes, the demand for more effective tools and communication strategies is likely to intensify.
The Road Ahead for Blockchain Development
As blockchain developers navigate these challenges, experts estimate that in the next few years, there’s a strong chance we’ll see significant advancements in tool development and client communication strategies. Around 70% of developers believe that new frameworks are likely to emerge, specifically designed to address the unique needs of Web3. This shift could reduce development timelines by as much as 40% by leveraging Layer 2 solutions and enhancing error handling processes. Moreover, companies that prioritize clear communication with their clients may find they can speed up project delivery and boost overall satisfaction, with a potential increase in repeat business by about 50%.
Echoes from Early Internet Days
An interesting parallel can be drawn from the early days of the internet, particularly during the transition from dial-up connections to broadband. Just as developers today grapple with the limitations of their current tools, early internet users struggled with clunky interfaces and slow speeds. The major shift in user experience eventually came from the synergistic evolution of technology and clearer user requirements. As a result, the internet exploded in growth, creating entire industries overnight. We may see a similar renaissance in blockchain app development where new tools, paired with informed client expectations, could foster a landscape ripe for innovation.