Solana Dethrones Ethereum as the Go-To Platform for Fresh Dev Talent for the First Time

Last Updated on December 19, 2024

Efe Headshot
Written by
Solana SOL cryptocurrency physical coin. Source: Dennis - stock.adobe.com

Key Takeaways:

  • Solana overtakes Ethereum: In 2024, Solana became the top ecosystem for new developers, attracting 7,625 new contributors compared to Ethereum’s 6,456.
  • Ethereum’s strength endures: Ethereum remains the global leader in total developer activity, with 26% of monthly crypto developers focusing on its network and L2 solutions.
  • Broader trends in crypto developers: Despite Solana’s surge, the total number of new crypto developers in 2024 fell by 7% from the previous year.

In 2024, Solana overtook Ethereum as the leading blockchain ecosystem for onboarding new developers, ending Ethereum’s eight-year streak.

A report by Electric Capital revealed that Solana attracted 7,625 new developers, surpassing Ethereum’s 6,456.

This marked the first time since 2016 that Ethereum was surpassed in new developer adoption.

Much of Solana’s growth was driven by increased activity in Asia.

Solana also experienced an 83% increase in ecosystem activity, occasionally outperforming Ethereum on metrics like network activity and daily fees.

Despite this shift, Ethereum remains the global leader in total developer activity, with 26% of monthly crypto developers focusing on its mainnet and layer-2 (L2) solutions.

Ethereum’s L2 ecosystems have grown 64% since 2021, and EigenLayer, a restaking protocol, was its fastest-growing project in 2024, with a 167% rise in developer activity.

Overall, the crypto industry saw 39,148 new developers in 2024, a 7% decline from 2023 and significantly lower than the 2022 peak of 77,000.

While Solana’s growth reflects evolving developer interests and geographic trends, Ethereum retains its dominance and continues to be a cornerstone of the crypto ecosystem, highlighting the ongoing competition between the two platforms.

About The Author

Efe Headshot
Written by

News Reporter

Efe Bravo, a seasoned journalist, delivers compelling insights into the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry.

His articles offer a deep dive into the latest trends, projects, and technological advancements shaping the future of digital finance.

Check Efe out on: