Best Development Platforms for Blockchain

Blockchain technology is changing how we think about apps, finance, and even the internet. If you’re a developer looking to dive into Web3, finding the appropriate blockchain development platform is an initial move. In this guide, we’ll explore the top platforms for blockchain development in 2024, offering insights on which ones are best for your project, whether you’re prototyping or ready to launch.

Table of Contents

Top Blockchain Development Platforms for 2024

So, here is our list of the prestigious blockchain development platforms.

1. Ethereum (EVM-Compatible)

Speaking about blockchain, Ethereum is like the OG. It’s the go-to platform for building decentralized apps (dApps) and smart contracts. Ethereum is well-established, with a massive developer community and plenty of tools to get you started. Plus, it’s home to some of the most significant NFT projects and DeFi protocols.

Pros

Giant ecosystem, great support, and flexibility. The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) allows for writing smart contracts in Solidity.

Cons

Gas fees can get insane, and scalability issues remain a problem.

Tip

Consider using Layer 2 solutions like Polygon or Optimism to reduce fees and improve transaction speeds.

2. Hyperledger Fabric

If you’re in the corporate or enterprise space, Hyperledger Fabric is your ideal choice. Created by the Linux Foundation, it’s known for being scalable and secure and suitable for private, permissioned blockchains.

Pros

Brilliant for privacy and security, with modular architecture.

Cons

Less transparent compared to public blockchains like Ethereum.

Tip

Keep an eye on updates like Hyperledger Fabric 2.0, which enhances data privacy and decentralizes smart contract management.

3. Corda

Initially designed for the financial sector, Corda has expanded its reach to industries like healthcare, agriculture, and public services. It’s all about secure, permissioned networks that allow businesses to transact directly with each other.

Pros

Real-time transaction processing and robust privacy features.

Cons

It is not ideal for public blockchain use and doesn’t support native cryptocurrency.

Tip

Corda continues to evolve, especially with updates on scalability and interoperability between industries.

4. Tatum

Tatum is a rising star in blockchain development. It offers a simple API that lets developers work with over 100+ blockchain protocols. Whether creating dApps or dealing with tokenized assets, Tatum has you covered.

Pros

Extensive API support, good for developers who need fast access to on-chain data.

Cons

Freemium pricing limits access to some features like NFTs and Mainnet access.

Tip

Consider upgrading to a paid plan for larger projects to unlock your full potential.

5. QuickNode

If you’re looking for scalability and speed, QuickNode offers a robust infrastructure that powers Web3 apps. This platform is flawless for building dApps, NFTs, and DeFi applications and has multi-region deployment capabilities.

Pros

Resilient infrastructure, ideal for real-time data delivery and cross-chain capabilities.

Cons

Free plans come with API throttling, which might slow down heavy traffic.

Tip

For larger apps, the enterprise plan offers custom SLAs and scaling options.

6. Moralis

Want to focus more on the front end while still having solid blockchain support? Moralis is a full-stack platform that helps developers create dApps without worrying about the back end. It offers rich APIs and supports over 25 blockchains.

Pros

User-friendly, rich APIs for blockchain and crypto market data.

Cons

Limited computing power in free tiers.

Tip

Moralis Academy offers a ton of resources to help developers quickly get up to speed with Web3 technologies.

7. Alchemy

Alchemy is one of the most powerful platforms out there for serious developers. With top-notch APIs and plenty of deployment options, it supports Ethereum and EVM-compatible chains, making it a versatile choice for dApp creation.

Pros

Feature-rich dashboard with advanced tools, including analytics and real-time app health monitoring.

Cons

Expensive for larger-scale projects that require heavy computing.

Tip

Stick to the freemium plan for smaller projects until you’re ready to scale.

8. GetBlock

For those ready to deploy their Web3 apps at scale, GetBlock provides a high-performance infrastructure that supports over 50 networks. It’s perfect for projects requiring high availability and robust node management.

Pros

Reliable, scalable node infrastructure with a 99.99% SLA.

Cons

Limited API access on free plans.

Tip

Consider moving to enterprise-level support for mission-critical dApps.

9. Hardhat

Hardhat is a brilliant choice for developers looking for local development options. It’s a community-driven project from the Nomic Foundation that allows you to develop Ethereum-based dApps locally on your machine.

Pros

No-frills, straightforward prototyping for Ethereum dApps.

Cons

Lacks some advanced features of cloud-based platforms.

Tip

Extend its functionality with plugins and tools to enhance your local development environment.

What Is a Blockchain Development Platform?

Alright, let’s unveil this. A blockchain development platform is your all-in-one toolbox for building decentralized apps (dApps) or smart contracts. These platforms give you everything you need to bring your blockchain project to life – whether it’s infrastructure, APIs, SDKs, or integrations with things like wallets and NFTs. It’s where all the magic happens when creating Web3 apps.

Think of it this way: platforms like Ethereum, Solana, or Polkadot are the playgrounds where developers get to create the next big thing in blockchain. These platforms make it super easy to connect with blockchain networks, build smart contracts, and integrate cool stuff like crypto payments or NFTs without building everything from scratch.

What’s Inside a Blockchain Development Platform?

Here are three essential concepts, which you can familiarize yourself with below.

Infrastructure

Platforms provide access to nodes (the things that power blockchains) so you can work with on-chain data and smart contracts.
Some platforms, like Infura or Alchemy, offer Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS), which means they handle the heavy lifting of managing nodes, leaving you free to focus on coding your dApp.
For bigger projects, you’ll need node clusters (think of it like a supercharged server setup) to ensure everything runs smoothly, even at scale.

SDKs and APIs

SDKs are your best friend when it comes to simplifying blockchain development. They come packed with pre-built tools to help you get started fast.
APIs let you easily interact with blockchain data. For example, Tatum provides you with access to over 100+ blockchain protocols – basically, you can tap into on-chain data with a few lines of code.

Integrations

Do you want to hook up a wallet? Done. Need real-time crypto prices? Easy. Want to mint and trade NFTs? Yep, you can do that too. Platforms like Moralis and Tatum offer integrations for all of these.

Public vs. Specialized Blockchain Platforms

Public platforms

Like Ethereum and Bitcoin are open for anyone to use. They’re decentralized and super secure but can be a little slower and pricier because they handle plenty of users.

Specialized platforms

Like Hyperledger Fabric and Corda are more for businesses that need privacy and control. They’re not open to the public but perfect for industries like finance or supply chain management, where security is key.

Key Things to Look for in a Blockchain Development Platform

So, you’ve got your project idea, but how do you choose the right platform? Here’s a cheat sheet on what to look for:

1. Infrastructure

Nodes. You’ll need these to run your blockchain app. Some platforms offer shared nodes (great for testing), while others provide dedicated nodes if you’re building something big.
BaaS (Blockchain-as-a-Service). Want someone else to handle the infrastructure? Use a BaaS platform like Alchemy or QuickNode, and they’ll manage your node.
Node Clusters. If you plan to launch a massive app, platforms like QuickNode let you set up clusters of nodes for extra reliability and scalability.

2. Blockchain Network

Layer 1 Networks. These are the big dogs like Ethereum and Solana. They handle all the transactions and smart contracts directly on their blockchain.
EVM-Compatible Networks. If you’re comfortable with Ethereum, you can use networks like Polygon or Avalanche, which are compatible with Ethereum’s coding language, Solidity. This makes it easy to switch between platforms.
Special-Purpose Networks. Some blockchains are built for specific tasks. For example, Algorand is known for lightning-fast transactions, while Helium is all about connecting IoT devices.

3. Integrations

Wallet Integration. Need to add crypto payments? Platforms like Moralis offer integrations with popular wallets like MetaMask.
NFTs and Crypto Data. Want to add NFT minting or real-time crypto pricing? Make sure the platform supports these features out of the box.
Webhooks. Want to send real-time notifications to your users when something happens in your app? Look for platforms that support webhooks for instant alerts.

4. Developer Support and Tools

Monitoring and Analytics. After your app is live, you need to monitor performance. Platforms like Alchemy provide dashboards with real-time analytics and smart contract monitoring.
Community and Ecosystem. A strong developer community is a giant plus. Platforms like Hardhat have active forums, Discord channels, and GitHub support where you can ask questions and get help.
Custom SLAs. If you’re working on something big, you might need enterprise-level support. Platforms like QuickNode offer Service-Level Agreements (SLAs) to ensure your app is always up and running.

Choosing the Best Platform for Your Project

Whether you’re building a decentralized finance (DeFi) app, an NFT marketplace, or a private blockchain for enterprise use, your platform choice matters. Consider the type of project you’re working on:

For DeFi and NFTs

Platforms like Ethereum or Polygon (Layer 2) offer the most support and flexibility.

For Enterprise Projects

Hyperledger Fabric and Corda provide strong security and privacy features.

For Quick Prototyping

Tatum, Hardhat, and Alchemy are great for quickly getting your ideas.

Conclusion

The blockchain space is increasing quickly, and finding the right development platform can make or break your project. From giants like Ethereum and Hyperledger to more niche platforms like Tatum and Moralis, each has something unique to offer. Whether you’re building for the long term or experimenting, there’s a platform for every developer type. Pick the one that best suits your goals, and start building the future of decentralized apps today!