"The smart contract testing tool that blew Hardhat out of the water...."
This week on Coffee with Calyptus, we chat with Lakshmikanth, a Web3 developer with experience at industry giants like Binance and agile startups like Socket, Lakshmi shares hard-won lessons in adaptability, technical growth, and the art of building secure, scalable systems.
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Why did you make the move to Web3 and what are the key day-to-day differences?
I’ve always been deeply curious about Bitcoin and Ethereum, and over time, my curiosity evolved into a passion for exploring how these technologies could change the world. It became clear that I needed to fully immerse myself in Web3 development, to not just be a bystander but to actively contribute to building this next generation of the internet. Making the decision to transition from Web2 was tough, Web2 had given me so much experience, and I was in a comfortable space. But the lure of working with decentralised technologies, the opportunity to work with cutting-edge tools, and the excitement of being part of something transformative in the ecosystem outweighed the comfort of the Web2 world. On a day-to-day basis, the main difference I’ve noticed is the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of Web3. The ecosystem moves quickly, and staying up to date with the latest protocols, standards, and trends is vital. You’re constantly learning and iterating, and there's an incredible sense of community around it.
What are your biggest learnings from working at amazing companies like Binance and Socket?
Working at Binance and Socket offered me two very different experiences that really shaped my understanding of Web3. Binance, being one of the biggest players in the space, taught me how a large, structured company within Web3 operates. I learned how to navigate the complexity of working at scale and how processes are vital to keep things running smoothly when there are millions of users depending on the system. It also showed me the importance of pushing limits in terms of technology, performance, and security. On the other hand, my time at Socket, a smaller startup, helped me realise the agility and rapid decision-making that comes with being in a leaner, more innovative environment. At Socket, I was encouraged to take ownership and experiment more freely. One of the most valuable lessons I picked up was the concept of T-shaped learning: diving deep into the areas I work in but also touching on a wide range of topics to be more well-rounded. I’ve applied this learning in both environments, understanding the value of expertise, but also the necessity of being adaptable.
What tools and frameworks do you recommend for smart contract development and testing?
When it comes to smart contract development and testing, I highly recommend Forge/Foundry. It's an all-in-one tool that is incredibly powerful for unit testing, integration testing, and fork-based testing. I’ve found it particularly useful because it allows you to simulate real-world conditions for your contracts, making testing far more reliable. The suite of tools in Foundry is fast, flexible, and has a robust developer community, so you’re never stuck if you run into issues. The real kicker for me is its speed, it’s much faster than alternatives like Truffle or Hardhat, which means you can quickly iterate, test, and deploy without waiting for long processes to finish. I’ve found that being able to execute tests in a local Ethereum fork really gives you a deep understanding of how your smart contracts will behave in the wild, which ultimately results in more secure code.
What learning path would you recommend for someone new to Web3 development?
For someone just starting out in Web3 development, my first piece of advice would be to dive into Web3 security. Security is one of the most critical aspects of building blockchain-based applications, and getting a solid foundation in security principles early on will save you from costly mistakes in the future. I’d recommend subscribing to courses specifically focused on Web3 security, such as those offered by platforms like CryptoZombies, or enrolling in more formal programs like those available on RareSkills.io. Apart from that, a key part of your learning path should be engaging with the development community. One great way to do this is by contributing to open-source projects, especially through making pull requests. This helps you learn by doing and also builds your reputation within the community. The Web3 ecosystem is built around collaboration, so the more you engage with other developers, the quicker you’ll grow. Finally, always keep up with the latest developments in Web3, attending meetups, reading blogs, and experimenting with new technologies are all excellent ways to learn
Solidity Challenge 🕵️♂️
What can go wrong with this airdrop contract that validates the legitimacy of the claimant via a merkle hash verification.
Solidity Challenge Answer ✅
Illegitimate owners can also claim the airdrop if they know the address of the legitimate owners.
