When it comes to measuring the health and growth of blockchain ecosystems, one of the most reliable ways is by looking at developer activity. Developers are the engine of innovation, especially in Web3 and blockchain. Their code builds the infrastructure, protocols, tools, and applications we all rely on. GitHub, being the central hub for most open-source collaboration, gives us a real-time pulse of this innovation.
1. Over 18,000 monthly active developers contribute to open-source Web3 projects
This number is more than just impressive—it’s powerful. Over 18,000 developers show up every month to write code, fix bugs, or improve blockchain infrastructure.
These are not just part-time coders; many are deeply embedded in the ecosystem, building the future of finance, governance, and digital ownership.
What this really tells us is that the Web3 movement is not a fad. It’s not a bubble waiting to burst. When you see this many minds contributing every month, it signals real staying power. From Ethereum to niche chains, this developer activity is the heartbeat of the space.
If you’re a startup founder in Web3, this means you’re entering a competitive but vibrant ecosystem. Your product won’t exist in a vacuum. To succeed, find ways to collaborate with existing communities.
Join Discord groups, comment on GitHub issues, or even start contributing to another project before launching your own. It builds reputation and credibility fast.
2. Ethereum leads with more than 5,000 monthly active developers
Ethereum stands out as the most active ecosystem, and it’s not close.
Over 5,000 developers contribute monthly across its various repositories—from core client development to tools, smart contracts, and scaling solutions.
This kind of sustained developer commitment means Ethereum isn’t just a chain—it’s a living, evolving system. It attracts the best talent, has the most tooling, and often sets the pace for innovation in the broader space.
If you’re looking to enter blockchain as a developer or founder, Ethereum is the best place to start. Its maturity means you’ll find great documentation, a lot of reusable code, and a strong community to support you.
Consider focusing on Layer 2, rollups, or even building dApps in the NFT or DeFi sectors. The opportunities are endless—but the competition is tough, so having a sharp use case is key.
3. Over 400,000 total developers have contributed to blockchain projects since 2009
This stat highlights the long-term growth of blockchain technology. Over 400,000 developers have contributed code in some form to blockchain projects. That’s not just Ethereum and Bitcoin—it includes altchains, sidechains, L2s, tools, and dApps.
The implication is clear: blockchain is no longer a niche experiment. It’s a massive movement with thousands of developers past and present investing their time into its future.
If you’re just entering this space, don’t be intimidated. The number is big, but that also means the documentation, tooling, and support network have evolved dramatically. Start small.
Clone a simple smart contract and modify it. Fix a bug in a lesser-known repo. Every developer starts somewhere—and the community values contributions, however small.
4. Solana has over 1,000 monthly active open-source developers
Solana’s fast, low-cost blockchain has attracted over 1,000 developers working in its ecosystem every month. This includes people working on wallets, DeFi protocols, games, NFT marketplaces, and core improvements to the Solana runtime.
Solana’s developer tools are becoming more robust, and its focus on speed and scalability makes it attractive for real-time applications like gaming and financial transactions.
If you’re considering building on Solana, get comfortable with Rust, which is the primary language for Solana programs. Start by experimenting with Anchor, a popular framework that simplifies smart contract development.
Engage with the Solana forums or participate in hackathons—they’re excellent for learning and networking.
5. Bitcoin core repo has over 800 contributors historically
Bitcoin, the original blockchain, has a surprisingly small but highly dedicated group of contributors. Over the years, more than 800 developers have contributed directly to the Bitcoin Core codebase.
While Bitcoin is often viewed as “finished,” the truth is that improvements are ongoing—related to scalability, privacy, and node performance. The bar for contribution is high, though. Changes go through heavy peer review and testing before they’re accepted.
If you want to get involved in Bitcoin development, expect a steep learning curve.
Start by reading Bitcoin Improvement Proposals (BIPs) and reviewing past pull requests. Even reviewing others’ code or helping with documentation is valuable and respected.
6. Polkadot averages around 750 monthly active developers
Polkadot’s unique architecture—based on a relay chain and multiple parachains—makes it attractive for custom blockchain applications. Around 750 developers contribute every month, spread across its core repos, Substrate framework, and parachain projects.
This shows that Polkadot isn’t just a protocol—it’s an ecosystem for building new blockchains. It appeals to developers who want more control than what a smart contract can offer.
If you’re technically ambitious and want to build your own chain, learn Substrate. It’s a framework that allows you to build blockchains the way you want—custom consensus, governance, logic.
Start by forking an existing Substrate chain and modifying features. It’s a playground for serious builders.
7. Cosmos ecosystem has over 900 monthly developers across repos
Cosmos has carved a strong position as the go-to framework for building independent, sovereign blockchains. Over 900 developers are active monthly across its many GitHub repositories.
These include the Cosmos SDK, Tendermint Core (now CometBFT), and all the application chains like Osmosis and Akash. Cosmos appeals to developers who value modularity and flexibility.
If you’re building in Cosmos, you’re probably thinking long-term. Learn how to use the Cosmos SDK to spin up your own blockchain with plug-and-play modules. The documentation is excellent, and there’s a growing set of templates and boilerplates to work from.
8. GitHub hosts over 40,000 blockchain-related repositories
This stat alone shows the sheer scale of blockchain development. There are over 40,000 blockchain-related repositories on GitHub. That means ideas are being tested, refined, and shared on a daily basis.
But it’s also a signal that things can get noisy. Not all repos are maintained or high quality. Some are experiments; others are forks with minor changes.
To cut through the noise, look for projects with regular commits, active discussions, and a clear README file.
If you’re doing research or trying to build something new, GitHub is a goldmine—just make sure you vet the quality before you fork or build on top of it.
9. The top 200 blockchain projects on GitHub receive more than 200,000 combined commits annually
That’s over 500 commits per day, across just 200 projects. This level of activity shows intense development and rapid iteration in the top projects.
These commits span everything—from feature rollouts to critical security patches and performance enhancements.
For founders or investors, this is a useful proxy for project maturity and developer engagement. Dead repos are a red flag. Consistent commits show the project is alive and responsive to user needs.
If you’re scouting for strong projects, check commit frequency, contributor diversity, and activity trends over time. For developers, pick active projects to contribute to—you’ll get faster feedback, better mentorship, and more visibility.
10. The number of full-time blockchain developers grew by 8% year-over-year in 2023
Even during market downturns, full-time developer growth continued. An 8% increase might not sound massive, but in a bear market, it’s a sign of real commitment.
These are not hobbyists—they’re professionals building companies, protocols, and infrastructure.
For job seekers, this means the demand is still strong. If you’re thinking of switching careers, blockchain is worth serious consideration. Start building a public portfolio—GitHub contributions, hackathon entries, and personal projects go a long way in this field.
Companies are hiring—but they’re looking for people who show initiative. Whether you’re self-taught or have a formal background, showing actual code is more important than just listing skills on a resume.
11. Over 3,000 developers work full-time on blockchain protocols
This number matters more than you might think. Over 3,000 full-time developers aren’t just experimenting—they’re building the backbone of decentralized infrastructure.
These developers are responsible for maintaining consensus algorithms, updating core clients, managing networks, and introducing new features that can fundamentally change how blockchains operate.
Working full-time on a protocol means long-term investment. These developers are paid by foundations, DAOs, grants, or venture-backed teams. They’re not just building apps on top of the tech—they’re building the tech itself.
For developers aiming to transition into full-time Web3 work, this should be motivating. There’s clearly demand. But you have to be skilled and committed.
One way to break in is to start part-time or contribute to documentation and testing. Once a maintainer sees your work, you’ll get invited to take on more critical pieces.
Founders and investors should also view this stat as a proxy for ecosystem health. If a chain has hundreds of full-time contributors, it’s probably serious about longevity and security.
It’s worth aligning with these ecosystems for partnerships, funding, or talent.
12. DeFi projects saw a 50% increase in developer activity during the 2021 bull run
During the DeFi explosion in 2021, developer activity jumped by 50%. That tells us two things: (1) Developers follow capital, and (2) Interest spikes when people see real-world use cases.
DeFi showed the world that blockchain could be more than digital cash. It became a playground for borrowing, lending, trading, and yield-generating strategies—all without banks.
This boom attracted thousands of developers to fork projects, build new ones, and compete for user volume.
What’s the takeaway? Momentum attracts builders. If you want to build in DeFi, learn from this trend. Timing matters. Launch during market upswings when attention and liquidity are high.
But don’t just clone existing apps—stand out with better UX, lower fees, or added features like compliance or automation.
Also, be prepared for scrutiny. DeFi projects are targets for exploits. Audit early. Use battle-tested code. Engage with white hat communities. Fast growth is exciting, but long-term trust comes from robust code and security practices.
13. Rust and Solidity are the top two most-used languages in blockchain GitHub repos
Solidity powers Ethereum. Rust powers Solana, Polkadot, Near, and more. Together, these two languages dominate blockchain development.
Solidity is relatively simple to learn if you already know JavaScript or Python. It’s focused on smart contracts and has a massive ecosystem. Rust, on the other hand, is low-level and performance-driven—great for protocol-level work and high-speed applications.
Here’s what this means for you. If you’re just getting started and want to build dApps, start with Solidity.
Tools like Hardhat and Foundry make development easier. You can deploy to Ethereum or EVM-compatible chains.
If you’re aiming for deeper protocol development, gaming, or anything high-performance, learn Rust. It’s harder at first, but it unlocks access to newer ecosystems that need serious talent. Many Rust projects offer grants, bounties, and core contributor roles for skilled devs.
Pick one to master, but keep an eye on the other. Bilingual devs—those who know both—are rare and in high demand.
14. Ethereum alone has over 35,000 repositories linked to its ecosystem
That’s an enormous number. Ethereum doesn’t just have a strong core protocol—it has an entire universe of tools, apps, clients, SDKs, and experiments orbiting around it. Over 35,000 repositories touch the Ethereum ecosystem in some way.
This tells us Ethereum is more than a blockchain. It’s a developer platform. And it’s one of the most mature platforms in Web3.
If you’re building a product, Ethereum likely has some open-source code you can reuse or study. This saves time, improves security, and lets you learn from the best.
The key is not to get overwhelmed. Use GitHub search wisely. Filter by stars, recent commits, and contributors. Bookmark repos with detailed READMEs and active communities. Forking a well-documented repo is 10x better than starting from scratch.
As a developer, Ethereum gives you leverage. You can stand on the shoulders of giants—just make sure you’re building something unique on top.
15. Developer retention in blockchain is around 30% after 12 months
This stat is sobering. Only 3 out of 10 developers stay active in blockchain after their first year. That means many people try it out, build a project or two, and move on.
There are a few reasons: steep learning curves, fast-moving tech, lack of clear documentation, or burnouts from bear markets.
But for you, this is an opportunity. If you stay consistent—if you’re still showing up 12 months later—you’re already in the top third of developers. That puts you in high demand.
To improve retention in your team or project, onboard contributors properly. Give them meaningful tasks early. Document everything clearly. Run weekly syncs. Make it fun. Developers leave when they feel lost or bored.
If you’re a founder, understand that keeping developers is harder than hiring them. Recognize contributors publicly. Reward them. Create pathways for ownership—through tokens, recognition, or leadership.
16. GitHub forks of Ethereum repositories exceed 12,000
This number reflects Ethereum’s influence. Over 12,000 forks of Ethereum-related repositories show how many developers are studying, modifying, or launching their own versions of Ethereum-based tools and protocols.
Forking isn’t just copying—it’s learning. It’s the first step toward contribution, innovation, or even competition.
For developers, this means you don’t have to build from scratch. Want to launch your own DEX? Fork Uniswap. Want a wallet? Fork MetaMask. Learn from the best, and improve it.
Just be respectful. Always check the license. Give credit. And if your changes are meaningful, consider contributing them back.
For founders, this stat shows how much code reuse is possible in Ethereum. You can build faster and cheaper by customizing proven systems.
17. Avalanche has over 250 monthly active developers
Avalanche is known for its speed, low fees, and flexible architecture. With over 250 developers contributing monthly, it’s one of the top ecosystems building momentum.
Avalanche supports multiple virtual machines and lets projects spin up their own subnets. That flexibility appeals to enterprise and gaming developers.
If you want to build on Avalanche, learn the Avalanche C-Chain (which is EVM-compatible), and explore subnets if you need custom logic. The Avalanche community is welcoming, and the foundation supports new builders through grants and hackathons.
Use Avalanche’s official docs and look for templates to spin up nodes quickly. Performance is a strong point, so real-time apps (trading, games) can really shine here.
18. Arbitrum and Optimism combined have over 300 active open-source developers
These two Layer 2 solutions for Ethereum have grown rapidly. Together, they host over 300 monthly developers building rollup infrastructure, dApps, bridges, and tools.
Layer 2s are hot right now because they solve Ethereum’s scaling problem. They’re cheaper, faster, and inherit Ethereum’s security. And developers are taking notice.
If you’re building for cost-conscious users (especially in DeFi or gaming), L2 is the place to be. Get familiar with Arbitrum’s Nitro stack or Optimism’s OP Stack. They offer faster finality, lower fees, and growing ecosystems of dApps and liquidity.
Consider deploying to both—cross-chain users are becoming the norm. Just make sure your smart contracts are compatible and your frontend handles multiple chains well.
19. zk-rollup projects saw a 40% growth in contributors in 2023
Zero-knowledge rollups (zk-rollups) are one of the most exciting areas in Web3. They offer fast, private, and secure scaling. With a 40% growth in contributors last year, the developer community is signaling strong belief in the future of zk tech.
These projects are more complex, involving cryptography, math-heavy proofs, and specialized languages like Cairo or Noir. But they promise massive gains in scalability and privacy.
If you’re technically inclined and want to work on bleeding-edge tech, zk is the frontier. Start by learning how zk-SNARKs and zk-STARKs work. Join the StarkNet or zkSync community. Read the code, study the circuits, and try deploying simple contracts.
Grants and jobs are abundant, but you’ll need to prove you can handle the complexity. Contribute to documentation or tooling first—it’s a great entry point.
20. GitHub stars for top blockchain projects exceed 800,000 combined
Stars are a form of social proof on GitHub. When over 800,000 stars have been given to top blockchain projects, it shows immense interest and visibility from developers worldwide.
Stars also help you discover popular, well-maintained projects. They’re not a perfect signal, but they help filter out noise.
If you’re building a project, encourage stars by creating a great README, clear instructions, and visuals. A well-starred repo attracts contributors, users, and even investors.
If you’re learning, browse starred repos to find quality projects. Follow the ones with active commits and discussions. It’s like having a curated feed of what’s hot in blockchain right now.
21. Layer 1 blockchains dominate over 60% of total blockchain GitHub contributions
Layer 1 blockchains — like Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, and Polkadot — still receive the lion’s share of contributions on GitHub. Over 60% of all commits in blockchain-related repositories are tied directly to Layer 1 chains.
This isn’t surprising. Layer 1s are the foundation. Without them, nothing else works. That’s where consensus, security, and scalability get built. It’s where developers lay the groundwork that everything else depends on.
For developers, focusing on a Layer 1 project can mean more visibility, more complex problems to solve, and more career longevity. These projects often have large budgets, strong communities, and ambitious roadmaps.
If you’re just starting out, you don’t have to contribute to the consensus code right away. There are plenty of entry points—SDKs, CLI tools, testing frameworks, and devops.
For founders, this stat is a reminder that Layer 1 ecosystems are where the deepest innovation still happens. Partnering with a Layer 1 or building directly in their ecosystem can bring long-term support, access to funding, and a steady developer base.
22. Web3.js and Ethers.js are among the most-forked JavaScript blockchain libraries
These two JavaScript libraries are foundational for interacting with Ethereum and EVM-compatible blockchains. They let developers connect to wallets, read blockchain data, send transactions, and interact with smart contracts—all from the frontend.
The fact that they’re among the most-forked means that devs not only use them, but also study and customize them. That’s a great signal of their importance.
If you’re a frontend developer getting into blockchain, these libraries are your best friends. Start with Ethers.js—it’s smaller, cleaner, and generally easier to understand. Once you’ve mastered it, check out Web3.js, which is more comprehensive but a bit heavier.
For projects, a well-optimized integration with Ethers or Web3 can seriously improve UX. Avoid unnecessary calls. Cache data. Handle wallet disconnects gracefully. Most users don’t care about the tech—they care about speed and ease.
23. The Merge (Ethereum) saw over 1,000 GitHub contributors coordinating across clients
Ethereum’s transition from Proof of Work to Proof of Stake was one of the biggest technical upgrades in blockchain history. It required collaboration from over 1,000 developers across client teams, tooling projects, infrastructure providers, and testing frameworks.
What made it even more remarkable is that this was done in an open, decentralized manner—via GitHub, Zoom calls, and community coordination.
This stat proves that decentralized collaboration at scale is possible. It’s a case study in engineering coordination without a centralized company.
If you’re running a blockchain project, learn from this. Communication is everything. Ethereum client teams held regular call notes, wrote test specs, shared devnets, and did live dress rehearsals months in advance. They made the roadmap public and engaged the community every step of the way.
For developers, it’s a reminder that open-source doesn’t mean working alone. Get involved. Ask questions. Be part of a working group. Your contributions could become part of history.
24. Developer activity drops by 20–40% during bear markets
This stat highlights one of blockchain’s biggest challenges—retaining talent during down cycles. When prices drop, so does hype, and that often leads to a dip in developer activity. Some devs leave to find more stable work. Others just lose motivation.
But here’s the upside: bear markets are when serious builders shine. With less noise and fewer distractions, the people who stay can build better tech, get noticed more easily, and position themselves for success when the market bounces back.
If you’re in it for the long haul, double down during bear markets. Join bounties. Ship small tools. Help with testing. You’ll stand out in a quieter space.
Founders: this is your time to focus. Rebuild your codebase. Refine your product-market fit. Talk to users who are still around—they’re your core believers.
Bear markets aren’t the end. They’re a filter. Be the one who sticks around.
25. New developer onboarding increased by 25% in early 2021
Early 2021 saw a major influx of new developers entering blockchain. That’s no accident—this was during a bull market, with NFTs, DeFi, and crypto prices reaching new highs.
Onboarding is crucial. If developers can’t get started quickly, they’ll drop off. The best ecosystems know this and invest heavily in docs, tutorials, SDKs, and templates.
If you’re running a project, make onboarding a priority. Build quickstart guides. Provide working code examples. Create one-click sandbox environments. Answer questions in Discord and encourage beginners to share their learning journey.
For developers, this stat means you’re not alone. Many people start with zero blockchain experience. Ask questions. Use beginner-friendly tools like Remix, Scaffold-ETH, or Hardhat. Build simple things first. Confidence grows fast once you ship your first contract or app.
26. GitHub pull requests in blockchain projects total over 2 million cumulatively
Pull requests (PRs) are how code gets merged into projects. Over 2 million PRs in blockchain repos show a huge amount of collaboration, code review, and iteration.
Every pull request tells a story: someone saw a bug, built a feature, or improved performance. The volume of PRs also reflects the open-source nature of Web3—code lives in the open, and anyone can participate.
If you’re a developer, making PRs is the best way to get noticed. Even small fixes—typos, documentation, test cases—count. Maintainers remember helpful contributors.
If you’re a maintainer, make the PR process welcoming. Label beginner-friendly issues. Respond quickly. Merge fast when possible. A healthy PR pipeline is a sign of a thriving project.
27. 60% of all blockchain GitHub commits come from the top 10 ecosystems
Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana, Polkadot, Cosmos, Avalanche, Near, Optimism, Arbitrum, and BNB Chain dominate the commit charts. Together, they generate over 60% of all blockchain commits.
This concentration isn’t a bad thing—it means resources, tools, and community knowledge are deeply developed in these ecosystems.
For builders, that’s a sign: go where the activity is. You’ll find better libraries, faster bug fixes, more job opportunities, and deeper support. Starting your journey in a top ecosystem gives you more runway to learn and grow.
However, if you’re in a smaller ecosystem, don’t worry. You can make a bigger impact with fewer people. Small ecosystems need champions—and your contributions stand out more.
28. Near Protocol maintains over 80 active repositories on GitHub
Near Protocol is not always in the headlines, but it’s quietly building a solid foundation. With over 80 active repos, it’s one of the most robust and well-organized ecosystems.
Near is developer-friendly. It uses Rust or AssemblyScript for contracts, has great documentation, and supports fast finality and low fees. Its ecosystem includes wallets, bridges, and cross-chain tools.
If you want to build on Near, start by joining the Near DevHub or Discord. The documentation is approachable, and the grants program is active. You can build apps quickly, and the barrier to entry is lower compared to older chains.
With fewer developers than Ethereum or Solana, your work gets noticed faster. That can lead to grants, jobs, and community recognition.
29. Cosmos SDK repos average over 100 monthly pull requests
The Cosmos SDK is how most Cosmos-based chains are built. It’s modular, powerful, and actively maintained. With over 100 PRs per month across its repos, it’s clear that developers are constantly improving and extending its capabilities.
These PRs range from bug fixes and optimizations to adding new governance or staking modules. The SDK’s design encourages customization, which is why it powers dozens of appchains.
If you’re building something that needs sovereignty and control, Cosmos SDK is a strong choice. Learn how modules work, how consensus is handled, and how to use IBC for cross-chain communication.
The SDK community is tight-knit but welcoming. You don’t need to be a protocol genius—start by reading docs, joining a dev call, or cloning a repo to experiment.
30. GitHub issues opened across blockchain projects exceed 1 million cumulatively
Issues are where ideas, bugs, and questions live. Over 1 million issues opened in blockchain repos show a huge amount of discussion, feedback, and community interaction.
Each issue is a chance to collaborate. It could be a user reporting a bug, a developer suggesting a feature, or a contributor asking how to get started.
If you’re looking to get involved, browsing issues is a goldmine. Look for ones labeled “good first issue” or “help wanted.” Start there. Add your thoughts. Ask clarifying questions. Even triaging issues helps maintainers a lot.
For project leads, don’t ignore issues. They’re the front door to your community. Close duplicates, answer questions, and keep the conversation alive. A well-managed issue board shows your project is alive and serious.
wrapping it up
The numbers don’t lie—developer activity is the clearest signal we have for where blockchain is going.
Behind every headline, protocol upgrade, or new product launch, there are thousands of developers writing code, fixing bugs, debating architecture, and pushing this technology forward, line by line.
