Blockchain technologies have been a part of our life for a solid decade. Still, for the average Internet user, the world of blockchain is full of mysteries and risks.

The concerns are understandable: the entire technology was relatively unknown until recently. If you want to take a dip in the sea of opportunities the blockchain world has to offer, you need to choose your strategy carefully. This includes learning how to hire dApp developers you can trust.

Picking a developer is an important decision, and we know how nerve-racking the process can be. That’s why we have created a short guide to make the choice easier for you. Read on to find out how to find the best dApp development company.

What is a dApp?

If you are reading this, you probably already know what we are talking about. But clarifying things never hurts, so let’s quickly run through the basics before getting to the details.

A dApp is a decentralized application, i.e. one that runs on a network of computers without a single admin controlling it.

Source – freepik

dApps are typically associated with blockchain, even though they do not always go hand in hand. BitTorrent is a good example of a dApp that doesn’t run on a blockchain network.

All dApps have several features in common:

They are decentralized – the app stores its records on a public network of devices rather than a single server.

They are open-source – the code needs to be public and available for examination. While the developer can keep supporting and updating the software, it does not make them the single entity that has control over the app. Ideally, any changes to the app have to be approved by the network.

If we are talking about blockchain dApps, there is another requirement: using a cryptographic token. The tokens are needed to access the application and also given out to network members in exchange for their contribution to its development. It is also necessary that the tokens are generated by the dApp.

Reasons to Develop a dApp

Source – stateofthedapps

The number of dApps available to the public is growing in rapid progression, and there are some good reasons for that.

1. Security

The very nature of the dApps makes them resistant to hacking attacks. Information stored on a blockchain cannot be altered or deleted unless the change is approved by all the hosts.

2. Independence

Traditional apps rely on a single entity that has final authority over the platform and the right to make the final decision on all issues. This puts them at risk for outside influence and censorship. Since dApps connect the users directly without a middleman, the risk is negated.

3. Transparency

When all members of the network have a stake, and all changes require the participation of the majority, it creates great transparency and a high level of trust.

With all these advantages, more and more people are flocking towards dApps, so choosing to build one now is a smart decision that has real potential.

Stages of Developing a dApp

The process of developing a blockchain dApp includes several stages:

Publishing a whitepaper that describes the future dApp, as well as your goals and intentions. This stage may also include a working prototype. Launching the initial token sale. Launching the ICO. Using the collected funds to develop and deploy the app.

Naturally, you will want a top dApp development company to accompany you through the process. But how do you find one? Blockchain developers are in high demand right now, and every IT company out there is trying to jump on the bandwagon, advertising their decentralized application development services. How do you make the best choice? Well, there are simple rules for making a good decision.

Choosing a Top dApp Development Company

You can hire dApp developers quite easily, it’s hiring really good ones that becomes a problem. In truth, good dApp and blockchain developers are few and far between. If you are not sure how to find the best blockchain app development company, take the time to consider several things.

What kind of agency are you looking for?

The first question you need to answer for yourself is whether you want to hire an in-house team, a freelancer, or a company.

An in-house team is, of course, the most expensive, and if your goal is to build a single application, it’s better to consider engaging developers from the outside.

Working with freelancers is always a risk. You can get outstanding quality at a decent price, or you can have them disappear on you halfway into the project. Even if you luck out, consider that your app might require updates and support in the future. Will this person be able to keep taking care of it?

A company experienced in developing dApps is the best option. You will get professional services at a much lower cost than you would have paid an in-house team, and as a bonus you will be able to keep in touch for any improvements you might need later.

What is your budget?

In 2017, the average hourly rate of blockchain developers around the world was $81-$100. The exact prices differ from country to country, so decide whether you are going to work with local or offshore developers. It’s not a secret that outsourcing your app development can give you the same quality at a lower price. In terms of the best cost/quality ratio, consider Eastern European developers.

What are the tech specs?

Although you won’t be developing the dApp by yourself, you need to have an understanding of its technical side.

Even with the recent mass exodus caused by the dropping price, Ethereum is still the leading dApp platform. EOS is hot on its heels, boasting improved scalability and zero transaction fees. Take a look at the top 10 dApps as of November 2018:

Source – stateofthedapps

While Ethereum dApps are definitely more numerous, EOS dApps receive the highest volume of visitors. This tendency

is likely to continue, considering what’s happening with Ethereum at the moment.

A significant difference between the two platforms is the programming languages they use. Ethereum predominantly uses Solidity, a language created by their core developers. EOS developers use mostly C++ or other WebAssembly languages.

Choosing which platform is a better option for you will immediately narrow down your list of potential choices.

Researching your options

Once you have made up your mind about the kind of company you are looking for and the tech stack they need to specialize in, it’s time to dive into the research. Start by creating a list of possible options, and explore each of them in detail.

What you need to know is how much experience the company has in your particular field, whether they have dealt with projects similar to yours before, and, of course, what kind of client feedback they are getting.

If you have the possibility of visiting a blockchain-related event – awesome. You might be able to meet some of the top developers face to face, or find a blockchain app development company that never crossed your radar but looks like a good fit for your project. If you don’t have this possibility, it’s still awesome, because in our age everything and everyone can be found online.

Using any means available to you, collect as much information as possible. This will make it easier to make an informed decision.

Reaching out to the company

After you have chosen the company you are interested in, reach out to them. Discuss your project before starting the cooperation to determine if you’ve made the right choice. A professional team will talk over the details with you before making any promises.

If you follow these steps successfully, you will be able to find the perfect dApp development company for your project.

Conclusion

Blockchain in general and dApps in particular have great potential, which is still largely unexplored. Choosing the right developer could be tricky, because the entire technology is relatively new. The tips in this article will help you take your first step toward launching a successful dApp. And if you have more questions, contact us to discuss them in detail.