Solana Ends Ethereum's 8-Year Streak as Top Choice for New Developers

For the first time since 2016, Ethereum's eight-year streak as the leading blockchain for onboarding new developers has been broken. According to Electric Capital's 2024 Developer Report, which analyzed data from January to November 2024, Solana overtook Ethereum in July and has continued to lead for the remainder of the year. This marks a historic shift in the blockchain ecosystem, with Solana becoming the only blockchain to surpass Ethereum in developer growth.

From FUD to Flippening

In the aftermath of the FTX crash, headlines claimed Solana was on the brink of collapse, with accusations that the ecosystem had dwindled to only 75 active developers—a supposed 97% drop. Fast forward two years and Solana is not just surviving; it's thriving. In 2024 alone, 7,625 new developers joined Solana, outpacing Ethereum's 6,456. This remarkable turnaround solidifies Solana's position as the most attractive blockchain for fresh talent.

Out of the 39,148 developers who entered the crypto space in 2024, Solana captured an impressive 19.5% share, surpassing Ethereum for the first time in history.

Solana Attracts Veteran Talent

The trend of developers flocking to Solana is not limited to newcomers. Even veteran Ethereum developers are making the switch.

Most recently, outspoken Ethereum researcher Max Resnick, the former Head of Research at Consensys' Special Mechanisms Group, announced he was "taking his talents to Solana." On December 9, Resnick revealed via an 𝕏 post that he had joined Anza, a Solana-focused R&D firm building the Solana client Agave. Resnick's move underscores Solana's growing appeal as the most attractive playground for blockchain developers.

Asia Takes the Lead

While the spotlight often shines on the US and Europe, Asia quietly led the charge, contributing 41% of all new developers in 2024. Solana is at the forefront of this shift, with 26% of new developers in Asia building on Solana, making it the most popular blockchain in the region.

 Europe followed at 26%, and North America trailed with 19%, reflecting a dramatic shift in the geographic center of crypto innovation. Solana's dominance in Asia underscores the continent's growing influence, not only in crypto adoption but also in developer contributions.

A Surge in Global Adoption

Solana's growth was particularly strong in India and Nigeria, two key markets where it emerged as the leading blockchain for developers. In India, over 30% of new developers chose Solana, outpacing Ethereum by a significant margin.

Nigeria's adoption was partly fueled by the Solana Allstars initiative, a community effort led by Step Finance launched in 2023 to educate and onboard users and talent onto Solana. This grassroots program has been instrumental in building a thriving developer community in the region.

The Future of Developer Growth

In 2024, Solana has established itself as the most resilient ecosystem with the greatest comeback story. Having dominated Ethereum in most metrics, including DEX volume, DePIN sector growth, and user adoption, it was only a matter of time before developer activity reflected this dominance. The latest data shows where new developers flock and choose to build. Solana is now the most attractive ecosystem for developers, cementing its reputation as a leading force in the next generation of Web3 innovation.