Developer Tools: The Real Engine of Blockchain Growth
The blockchain industry’s advancement relies heavily on developers, yet their challenges often go unnoticed. Sophisticated development tools are crucial for Web3's progress, but few focus on the robust infrastructure needed for secure, scalable development. Bogdan Habic, CTO and co-founder of Tenderly, offers unique insights gained from his experience.
From a hackathon project to leading a trusted Ethereum platform, Habic has witnessed firsthand the often-overlooked challenges of blockchain development. In an interview at ETH Belgrade 2025, he discussed the hurdles of scaling, developer bottlenecks, and the critical role of tooling in driving blockchain growth. He debunks common misconceptions about Ethereum's evolution and underscores the importance of developer experience in fostering wider adoption.
Challenges and Realities of Ethereum dApp Development
A significant gap exists between user experience and the complexities faced by developers. Web3 users frequently underestimate the intricate processes involved in creating dApps. A seemingly simple button click on a dApp might involve zero-knowledge proofs, advanced cryptography, and other highly complex technologies. Successful dApps like Polymarket and Pum.fun excel at concealing this complexity, showcasing the importance of user-friendly design for mass adoption.
Scaling Ethereum: Opportunities and Complications
Habic challenges the common use of the term "Ethereum 2.0," preferring to highlight Ethereum’s continuous evolution rather than a drastic overhaul. While increased throughput via rollups and expanded experimentation is significant, most of these additional transactions will originate from rollups themselves, becoming users of the Ethereum network. This opens doors to more affordable and flexible development but also confirms the inevitability of rollups and app chains – a centralized ledger isn't sustainable in the long term.
Security, Transparency, and Tenderly's Role
Tenderly has played a vital role in post-incident analysis, offering insights into security breaches. The Bybit/Safe incident highlighted the high stakes involved in open, on-chain systems. Tenderly's focus is on improving transparency and clarity throughout the development lifecycle. Their recent integration with Ledger, providing real-time transaction security scans, showcases their commitment to enhancing security and usability. This collaborative effort emphasizes their role as a development partner fostering safer, more reliable blockchain experiences.
The Value of Hackathons
Hackathons provide invaluable real-time feedback. Developing experimental features and directly interacting with potential users within a hackathon environment offers the fastest feedback loop, directly shaping product development.
Web3 Inclusivity
The Web3 ecosystem thrives on its inclusive nature. Regardless of background, those building useful tools and applications find a place within the community. This collaborative and creative energy is the lifeblood of the Web3 space.
Global and Local Impacts
The impact of blockchain technology varies globally. In developing nations like Serbia, blockchain offers access to financial tools otherwise unavailable, like stock trading and loans. Even in developed countries, the transformative potential of blockchain will reshape existing systems. Early adoption offers strategic advantages.
Final Thoughts
Developer tools, though less glamorous than other aspects of blockchain, form the crucial foundation. Focusing solely on scaling without addressing the challenges of development is counterproductive. Codeum offers comprehensive services to address these challenges, providing:
- Smart contract audits
- KYC verification
- Custom smart contract and DApp development
- Tokenomics and security consultation
- Partnerships with launchpads and crypto agencies
By prioritizing developer tools, the industry can pave the way for truly scalable and widely adopted blockchain solutions.