Solidity Developer

Quiz: Lesson 6

Questions: 7

Blockchain Foundations Blockchain Basics
1. L1s L2s And Rollups
A foundational primer to Understanding Layer 1, Layer 2, and Rollup Scaling Solutions - Learn why secure blockchains like Ethereum need scaling solutions to handle high demand. This lesson breaks down how L2 Rollups work, contrasting the "trust-but-verify" model of Optimistic Rollups with the cryptographic certainty of ZK-Rollups. Duration: 10min
2. Centralized Sequencers
A critical breakdown of Centralized Sequencers: The Single Point of Failure in Blockchain Rollups - This lesson dissects the immense power held by centralized sequencers in today's blockchain rollups. Learn how this single point of failure creates existential risks like censorship and network failure, and why decentralization is the only path to a secure and resilient network. Duration: 2min
3. Rollup Stages
A crucial guide to Understanding Rollup Stages: A Framework for L2 Maturity - This lesson breaks down the path L2s take from centralized "training wheels" to fully trustless protocols. Learn the criteria for Stages 0, 1, and 2 and how they reveal critical risks in a rollup's design. Duration: 8min
4. Making Your First Transaction On ZKsync
A hands-on walkthrough to Your First Transaction on zkSync - This lesson provides a complete guide to bridging assets from the L1 Sepolia testnet to the L2 zkSync testnet. Follow along to acquire test funds, execute a cross-chain transaction, and understand the critical difference between L2 processing and L1 finality. Duration: 12min
5. Why ZKsync Is Our Recommended Chain
A strategic breakdown of Why We Recommend zkSync Era for Smart Contract Development - This lesson makes the case for zkSync Era as a top-tier platform for smart contract deployment. Explore how this ZK-Rollup offers developers Ethereum-grade security, low gas fees, and seamless EVM tooling. Duration: 4min
6. Quiz: Lesson 6 Quiz
Questions: 7

Certification: Blockchain Basics

Exam

This proficiency exam is designed to confirm your understanding of all key concepts and learnings presented in the course material. You will have 45 minutes to answer 30 questions and score 18 to pass and earn a Certificate of Completion.

Duration: 45min Questions: 30 questions

Course Overview

About the course

What you'll learn

What blockchains are and how they work

Key blockchain components: wallets, gas, nodes, consensus

How to send transactions

The role and risks of smart contracts

How blockchains scale with L2 rollups

Real-world use cases like DEXs, RWAs, stablecoins, and NFTs

Blockchain threats like MEV and Sybil attacks

The lifecycle of a blockchain transaction

Course Description

Who is this course for?

  • Blockchain users
  • Finance professionals
  • Software engineers
  • Web3 developers

Potential Careers

Security researcher

$49,999 - $120,000 (avg. salary)

Web3 developer

$60,000 - $150,000 (avg. salary)

Smart Contract Engineer

$100,000 - $150,000 (avg. salary)

Smart Contract Auditor

$100,000 - $200,000 (avg. salary)

Web3 Developer Relations

$85,000 - $125,000 (avg. salary)

Meet your instructors

Ciara Nightingale

Ciara Nightingale

Developer relations at Cyfrin

Guest lecturers:

Jessica Young

Jessica Young

Educator at Cyfrin
Patrick Collins

Patrick Collins

Founder at Cyfrin

Last updated on October 17, 2025