Master Blockchain Development with Cyfrin Updraft: From Stableswap to Vyper Smart Contracts
Originally introduced in 2019, the StableSwap algorithm revolutionized the trading of like-assets by providing an efficient, low-slippage mechanism that has facilitated billions of dollars in trading volume. Recognizing its remarkable impact, Cyfrin Updraft has developed a comprehensive course dedicated to mastering the StableSwap algorithm. This course bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, empowering developers to contribute to and advance this transformative technology.
Stableswap History
Inspired by his own need for efficient stable-to-stable trades, Michael Egorov (founder of Curve) published the Stableswap whitepaper on November 10, 2019, transforming how similar assets (such as USDT and USDC) are exchanged. The algorithm seamlessly integrates the constant-product invariant (designed for volatile assets) and the constant-sum invariant (optimized for assets trading 1:1) to enable highly efficient swaps without sacrificing resilience to price volatility.
A new version called stableswap-ng (next-gen) emerged in late October 2023, bringing further gas optimizations and powerful new features. Notable improvements include a robust built-in price oracles for spot prices as well as TVL, dynamic fees, and the ability to exchange tokens without approvals (explanation here). As of January 2, 2025, the Stableswap algorithm secures more than $1.7 billion in total value across multiple chains, underscoring its continued effectiveness.
The Stableswap algorithm has proven to be highly effective and currently holds more than $1.7 billion across multiple chains as of 2nd of January 2025.
| Blockchain | Total TVL (in $) | Stableswap | Stableswap-NG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethereum | 1,637,361,741.30 | 429,177,510.53 | 1,208,184,230.76 |
| Fraxtal | 42,680,513.96 | - | 42,680,513.96 |
| Arbitrum | 31,175,066.57 | 11,062,587.24 | 20,112,479.33 |
| Fantom | 25,231,877.96 | 956,685.89 | 24,275,192.08 |
| Optimism | 9,855,274.00 | 3,615,589.79 | 6,239,684.22 |
| Other Chains | 11,485,488.81 | 5,761,458.96 | 5,724,029.85 |
| Total | 1,762,788,670.45 | 450,573,832.41 | 1,312,214,838.04 |
Cyfrin Updraft
Cyfrin Updraft, a leader in blockchain developer education, has introduced a comprehensive course on Curve’s StableSwap, the core algorithm powering its Automated Market Makers (AMMs) for pegged tokens. This advanced curriculum centers on StableSwap-NG (Next Generation), the enhanced iteration of the original implementation. With over 500 students already enrolled and Curve-related content attracting twice as many views as other topics, Cyfrin Updraft continues to provide cutting-edge learning experiences tailored to the evolving needs of the web3 ecosystem.
What began as Patrick Collins’ YouTube channel, offering insightful tutorials for blockchain enthusiasts, has grown into a one-stop shop for web3 education. Cyfrin Updraft is not just another Coursera-style platform; it’s a dynamic ecosystem for skill-building, credentialing, and preparing developers for high-demand careers in decentralized finance (DeFi) and beyond. Driven by the influx of web2 professionals transitioning to web3, the platform addresses foundational knowledge gaps while providing advanced training in essential blockchain skills.
Cyfrin also offers certifications, adding a unique credentialing system to its services. These certifications are designed to validate developer expertise and help employers identify top-tier talent in a competitive job market.
As a Tier 1 security provider, Cyfrin Updraft is trusted by elite clients such as Lido, Wormhole, zkSync, and Chainlink for its expertise in private and competitive smart contract audits. With a vibrant community of over 220,000 members and thousands of active students and new learners each month, the platform has achieved over 1.5 million completed lessons across its extensive library of free courses.
Stableswap Course
Taught by smart contract engineer ProgrammerSmart, this 48-lesson course includes over 2 hours of video content, written materials, and five hands-on exercises. Best of all, the coursework is completely free, offering an unparalleled opportunity to master the intricacies of the StableSwap algorithm.
The curriculum provides both foundational knowledge and practical experience. Starting with an introduction to Curve StableSwap and comparisons to other AMM protocols, students then dive into the mathematical models and implementation details behind Curve’s functionality. Topics include:
- AMM math for Curve StableSwap
- Calculating swap amounts and liquidity
- Curve StableSwap smart contracts
- Implementing swap functions
- Adding and removing liquidity functions
- Quantifying liquidity pools
- Controlling the flatness of the curve
🐍 Vyper and Python Courses
If the StableSwap course has sparked your interest in Vyper, Cyfrin Updraft offers three additional guides to help you master Python and Vyper smart contract development: an Introductory, an Intermediate, and an Advanced guide.
Introduction to Python and Vyper
This beginner-friendly course is perfect for aspiring web3 developers with no prior programming experience. Over a total of 6 hours, participants will:
- Learn the basics of blockchain transactions.
- Understand Vyper data structures like arrays, structs, and hash maps.
- Write and deploy smart contracts on ZKsync using Moccasin.
- Build their first blockchain application.
With 75 lessons, over 6 hours of video content, hands-on projects, and lifetime access to resources, this course provides a solid foundation for smart contract development. Whether you're new to programming or looking to expand your skills, the curriculum equips you with real-world expertise.
Intermediate Python and Vyper
Ready to advance your skills? This intermediate course dives deeper into Python-based Vyper development and introduces tools like Web3.py, Titanoboa, and Moccasin. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning to prepare developers for real-world applications, including:
- Creating and deploying ERC-20 tokens.
- Testing Python code and Vyper smart contracts with Pytest.
- Sending transactions between contracts in Python and Vyper.
- Deploying smart contracts on ZKsync using Moccasin.
- Launching your first cryptocurrency.
With 174 lessons, 14 hours of video content, and 6 projects, students will build a robust portfolio while mastering advanced web3 development skills.
Advanced Python and Vyper Smart Contract Development
And if the first two courses haven’t scared you away, the final advanced course will take your skills to the next level. This comprehensive program covers how to build a DeFi stablecoin and customized NFT, deploy your smart contract on zkSync using Moccasin, and master advanced testing techniques like stateful and stateless Python fuzzing.
You'll also learn how to write algorithmic trading scripts in Python and dive into essential topics such as hashing, signatures, proxies, delegate calls, upgradable contracts, and much more!