A blockchain development company specializes in the development and implementation of blockchain technology for various industries and use cases. These companies often provide services such as creating customized blockchain solutions, smart contract development, and consulting on blockchain strategy and adoption. 

They may also work on developing decentralized applications (dApps) and other software that utilizes the capabilities of blockchain technology.

What kind of software do blockchain development companies use

Blockchain development companies typically use a variety of software tools to build and implement blockchain solutions. Some common tools include:

1. Development platforms like Ethereum, EOS, Hyperledger, and Corda, which provide a framework for building decentralized applications and smart contracts.
2. Programming languages such as Solidity (for Ethereum), C++ (for EOS), and Go (for Hyperledger) that are used to write smart contracts and other blockchain-related code.
3. Tools for testing and debugging smart contracts, such as Truffle and Embark for Ethereum, and Chaincode for Hyperledger.
4. Wallet and explorer software like MetaMask and MyEtherWallet for Ethereum and Ledger Live for managing and interacting with blockchain assets.
5. Cloud-based blockchain platforms like IBM Blockchain Platform, AWS Blockchain Templates, and Azure Blockchain Service for quickly deploying and managing blockchain networks.
6. Cryptography libraries like OpenSSL and libsodium for implementing secure cryptographic functions such as digital signatures and encryption.
7. Development environments like Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, and Atom for writing and editing code.
8. Version control systems like Git for managing code changes and collaboration.

These are just a few examples, and the specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the company and the particular project they are working on.

What are some topics to consider when hiring a blockchain development company

When hiring a blockchain development company, there are several important topics to consider to ensure that the company is a good fit for your project and that they have the necessary skills and experience to deliver a successful solution. Some key topics to consider include:

1. Experience and expertise: Look for a company that has a proven track record of delivering successful blockchain projects in your industry or for similar use cases.
2. Development methodology: Inquire about the company’s development process, including how they approach project planning, testing, and deployment.
3. Team composition: Consider the company’s team composition, including their developer’s experience, and how they plan to manage the project.
4. Technical skills and expertise: Ensure that the company has experience with the specific blockchain platform and tools you plan to use, and that they have the necessary skills to build and implement your solution.
5. Security best practices: Ensure that the company follows industry-standard security best practices and that they have experience with security testing and penetration testing.
6. scalability and performance: Ensure that the company has experience in building and implementing scalable and high-performance blockchain solutions.
7. Cost and budget: Understand the company’s pricing model, and ensure that their proposed solution aligns with your budget.
8. Communication and collaboration: Discuss how the company will communicate and collaborate with your team throughout the project, and ensure that the company’s approach aligns with your team’s needs.

By considering these topics, you can make an informed decision about which blockchain development company is the best fit for your project and your organization.