Solidity Advanced: Secure Smart Contracts & DApp Development from Coursera

In the rapidly evolving world of blockchain technology, mastering Solidity is crucial for developing secure and efficient smart contracts. This advanced course takes you beyond the basics, guiding you through complex Solidity concepts and the intricacies of secure contract development. Each module is meticulously designed to deepen your understanding of Solidity, from recognizing common vulnerabilities to implementing robust security measures.

The course begins with essential advice on approaching new Solidity concepts, gradually leading you through advanced topics such as looping and transactions, points of failure in contracts, and the significance of safe contract design. You'll explore critical issues like whether contracts should be allowed to receive funds and how to protect them from common exploits. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical exercises, you will learn to recognize, analyze, and mitigate security risks in smart contracts.

As you progress, you’ll engage with hands-on coding exercises that solidify your learning, including creating and securing smart contracts, understanding complex patterns like the "Only After" modifier, and mastering advanced concepts such as inheritance and abstract contracts. By the end of this course, you’ll not only be proficient in Solidity but also equipped with the skills to develop secure, high-performing blockchain applications.

This course is tailored for experienced developers familiar with basic Solidity concepts who are looking to advance their skills in secure smart contract development. Prerequisites include a solid understanding of fundamental Solidity, blockchain principles, and some experience with writing and deploying smart contracts.

What's inside

Syllabus

Solidity Patterns I - Cybersecurity

In this module, we will dive deep into the cybersecurity aspects of Solidity smart contract development. You will learn about common vulnerabilities, how they can be exploited, and the best practices to secure your contracts. We will also explore advanced Solidity patterns and challenge your knowledge through quizzes and exercises.

Solidity Patterns II - Restricted Access

In this module, we will dive deeper into the Restricted Access pattern in Solidity, focusing on how to control access to smart contract functions. We'll cover key modifiers, such as onlyOwner and time-based restrictions, and provide hands-on exercises to reinforce these concepts.

Learn Advanced Solidity I (Inheritance and Abstractions)

In this module, we will dive deep into advanced Solidity concepts, including contract visibility, inheritance, and abstraction. Through a series of explanations and hands-on exercises, you’ll explore how to structure and organize contracts effectively, work with visibility modifiers, and implement inheritance to improve the scalability and efficiency of your decentralized applications.

Learn Advanced Solidity II

In this module, we will explore advanced concepts of Solidity, including interfaces, libraries, and low-level programming with Assembly. You'll also dive deep into error handling and security best practices, while building complex decentralized applications like an auction DApp. The section emphasizes practical exercises to ensure you master the topics thoroughly.

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Builds upon a solid understanding of fundamental Solidity and blockchain principles, making it ideal for developers seeking to specialize in secure smart contract development

Explores advanced Solidity concepts like inheritance, abstraction, interfaces, and libraries, which are essential for building scalable and efficient decentralized applications

Focuses on cybersecurity aspects of Solidity smart contracts, teaching learners about common vulnerabilities and best practices to secure their contracts

Emphasizes practical exercises, including building complex decentralized applications like an auction DApp, ensuring learners master the topics thoroughly

Requires a solid understanding of fundamental Solidity, blockchain principles, and some experience with writing and deploying smart contracts, which may exclude beginners

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Solidity Advanced: Secure Smart Contracts & DApp Development with these activities:

Review Basic Solidity Syntax

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Reinforce your understanding of fundamental Solidity syntax to ensure a solid foundation for advanced concepts covered in the course.

Browse courses on Solidity

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Review Solidity documentation on data types, control structures, and functions.
Practice writing simple smart contracts using Remix IDE.
Debug and fix common syntax errors in sample contracts.

Review 'Solidity Programming Essentials'

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Reinforce your understanding of Solidity fundamentals and best practices by reviewing a comprehensive programming guide.

View Solidity Programming Essentials on Amazon

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Read the chapters on data structures, control flow, and functions in Solidity.
Study the examples of smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps) built with Solidity.
Experiment with the code examples and modify them to explore different scenarios.

Review 'Mastering Ethereum'

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Gain a deeper understanding of the Ethereum blockchain and its ecosystem to contextualize Solidity smart contract development.

View Mastering Ethereum: Building Smart Contracts... on Amazon

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Read the chapters on smart contracts and the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).
Explore the examples of decentralized applications (DApps) built on Ethereum.
Research the latest updates and developments in the Ethereum ecosystem.

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Security Vulnerability Drills

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Practice identifying and mitigating common security vulnerabilities in Solidity smart contracts through targeted exercises.

Browse courses on Smart Contract Security

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Analyze vulnerable smart contract code snippets for reentrancy, overflow, and underflow issues.
Implement secure coding practices to prevent these vulnerabilities.
Test your solutions using automated security analysis tools.

Write a Blog Post on Secure Solidity Patterns

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Solidify your understanding of secure Solidity patterns by explaining them in a clear and concise manner for a broader audience.

Browse courses on Secure Coding

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Choose a specific secure Solidity pattern (e.g., Pull over Push, Checks-Effects-Interactions).
Research the pattern and its benefits in preventing vulnerabilities.
Write a blog post explaining the pattern with code examples and diagrams.
Publish your blog post on a platform like Medium or personal website.

Build a Secure Auction DApp

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Apply your knowledge of secure Solidity development by building a decentralized auction application with robust security features.

Browse courses on dApp Development

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Design the architecture of the auction DApp, including smart contracts and user interface.
Implement the smart contracts using secure coding practices to prevent common vulnerabilities.
Develop a user interface for interacting with the auction DApp.
Test the DApp thoroughly to ensure its functionality and security.

Contribute to a Solidity Security Project

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Enhance your skills by contributing to an open-source project focused on Solidity security, such as a static analysis tool or a vulnerability scanner.

Browse courses on Open Source

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Find an open-source project related to Solidity security on platforms like GitHub.
Review the project's documentation and contribution guidelines.
Identify a bug or feature to work on and submit a pull request.
Participate in code reviews and discussions with other contributors.

Career center

Learners who complete Solidity Advanced: Secure Smart Contracts & DApp Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Smart Contract Developer

A Smart Contract Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and deploying smart contracts on blockchain platforms. This role requires a deep understanding of secure coding practices, especially in languages like Solidity. This course directly addresses the needs of a Smart Contract Developer by providing advanced knowledge in Solidity, focusing on secure contract design and implementation. The course's exploration of common vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies is particularly crucial for this role. Those aspiring to become a Smart Contract Developer will find the modules on inheritance, abstraction, and restricted access to be highly beneficial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Smart Contract Developer

Smart Contract Auditor

A Smart Contract Auditor reviews and analyzes smart contract code to identify vulnerabilities and security flaws. This role requires deep knowledge of Solidity and common exploits. This course directly helps a Smart Contract Auditor by focusing on advanced Solidity and secure contract design. The course's emphasis on recognizing and mitigating security risks aligns perfectly with the responsibilities of a Smart Contract Auditor. A Smart Contract Auditor would benefit from the advanced modules on cybersecurity and restricted access to recognize vulnerabilities.

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Decentralized Application Developer

A Decentralized Application Developer specializes in building and maintaining DApps. These applications rely heavily on smart contracts. This course is directly relevant to the role of a Decentralized Application Developer because it delivers advanced techniques in Solidity, especially the methods to build secure smart contracts. The hands-on coding exercises in the course, combined with modules focused on cybersecurity, restricted access, inheritance, and abstraction, make this course extremely useful for a Decentralized Application Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Decentralized Application Developer

Web3 Developer

Web3 Developers create decentralized applications using blockchain technology. They frequently work with smart contracts. A Web3 Developer will benefit from this course as it offers advanced knowledge in Solidity, the primary language for writing smart contracts in many blockchain environments. The course's focus on secure contract design helps a Web3 Developer build safer and more reliable applications, and the modules on inheritance and abstraction offer ways to make the code easier to maintain. This course may help a Web3 Developer to learn advanced techniques to build robust DApps.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web3 Developer

Blockchain Developer

A Blockchain Developer builds decentralized applications (DApps) and other blockchain-based solutions. This often includes writing smart contracts. This course would be useful for a Blockchain Developer by helping them build expertise in secure smart contract development with Solidity. The course provides hands-on exercises that would equip a Blockchain Developer with the ability to identify and mitigate security risks. The course's focus on advanced topics of Solidity, like interfaces, libraries, and low-level programming, may be particularly relevant.

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Cryptocurrency Developer

A Cryptocurrency Developer works on the development and implementation of cryptocurrencies and related technologies. This often involves creating and securing smart contracts. This course would be beneficial for a Cryptocurrency Developer as it focuses on advanced Solidity concepts and secure contract development practices. The modules on cybersecurity, restricted access, and advanced Solidity will equip a Cryptocurrency Developer with the skills to build robust and secure cryptocurrencies. The advanced concepts are directly applicable to the development of complex cryptocurrency systems.

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Blockchain Architect

A Blockchain Architect designs the overall structure of blockchain systems. This role requires deep knowledge of smart contract development and security. This course may help a Blockchain Architect build a foundation in Solidity, specifically in secure and efficient contract design. The course's modules on advanced topics like inheritance, abstraction, and restricted access will aid a Blockchain Architect in making informed decisions about system architecture. The security perspectives taught will be crucial to a Blockchain Architect.

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Security Engineer

A Security Engineer works to protect computer systems and networks from threats. In the blockchain space, this includes securing smart contracts. A Security Engineer working with blockchain systems needs knowledge of Solidity, especially vulnerabilities and security best practices. This course may help an engineer learn to identify and protect against common exploits. The modules on restricted access and cybersecurity will be valuable to a Security Engineer to better understand risks related to smart contracts and protect against them.

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Financial Technology Developer

A Financial Technology Developer builds financial applications using cutting-edge technology like blockchain. This typically requires a solid understanding of smart contract development. This course may help a Financial Technology Developer by providing advanced knowledge of the Solidity language, and emphasizing the development of secure smart contracts. Financial applications rely on robustness and security, making the advanced topics on cybersecurity, restricted access, inheritance, and abstraction particularly relevant for a Financial Technology Developer.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer develops code and programs for various applications. In the context of blockchain, this may involve smart contract development. This course may be useful for a Software Engineer because it provides advanced knowledge of Solidity, focusing on secure contract design and implementation. The course's hands-on exercises and modules on inheritance and abstraction will help a Software Engineer to efficiently write smart contract code. This course provides a deep dive into Solidity beyond the basics.

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Technical Lead

A Technical Lead manages development teams, sets technical direction, and ensures projects are completed successfully. In the blockchain space, this often involves leading smart contract development. This course may be beneficial for a Technical Lead who needs to understand advanced topics in secure smart contract development. The course will allow a Technical Lead to understand the security implications of smart contract designs and will allow them to guide their teams more effectively. The course's focus on advanced Solidity concepts can help a Technical Lead to provide strategic advice.

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Solutions Architect

A Solutions Architect designs and oversees the implementation of technology solutions for organizations. In the blockchain realm this may involve designing solutions that integrate smart contracts. This course may be helpful for a Solutions Architect, as it provides the skills to understand and implement smart contract solutions. The course helps a Solutions Architect to understand the complexities of smart contract development, especially with its focus on security and advanced Solidity. The advanced insights into best practices, and understanding of vulnerabilities may prove useful in designing real world solutions.

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Research Scientist

A Research Scientist conducts studies and experiments, often in emerging technology fields. This course may be helpful for a Research Scientist, as it provides advanced insight into smart contract development with a strong focus on security. The course may also help a Research Scientist to understand the complexities and vulnerabilities of blockchain technology as it applies to smart contracts and DApps. The practical exercises and deep dives into advanced Solidity concepts may also provide the scientist with new possible areas of research.

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Instructor

An Instructor develops and delivers training programs for students. This course may be helpful for an Instructor who wishes to teach advanced Solidity and smart contract security. The course helps build a deep understanding of advanced Solidity concepts, secure code practices and common vulnerabilities. The comprehensive approach of the course, with its modules on cybersecurity, restricted access, inheritance, and abstraction, would make it useful for an Instructor who is committed to teaching these concepts to their future students.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, organizes, and manages resources to bring about the successful completion of project goals. In the context of blockchain, this may involve managing projects related to smart contract development. This course may be useful for a Project Manager as it provides a foundation in the complexities of smart contract design and secure development. Modules on advanced Solidity concepts, cybersecurity, and restricted access may help a Project Manager to better understand the technical aspects of their blockchain projects. This understanding may help them to better allocate resources.

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Solidity Advanced

Secure Smart Contracts & DApp Development

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