A Definitive Guide to Smart Contract Development Tools

Indeed, they are essential to keep your project up-to-date and competitive.

In this quick guide, we explore a few of the most crucial smart contract development tools that decision-makers and smart contract developers must know about. 

Smart Contract Development Tools 

Smart Contract Language

The programming language that smart contract developers use to write the code is known as the smart contract language. It is one of the most important and fundamental steps in the process of developing smart contracts. The languages for smart contracts that you absolutely must know are:

Solidity

The most preferred language to write smart contracts is the high-level object-oriented language Solidity. Programs called "smart contracts" regulate how accounts behave on the Ethereum network. In addition to inheritance, libraries, and advanced user-defined types, Solidity is statically typed. 

Vyper

Vyper is an EVM language based on PYTHON. It is a contract-oriented programming language that makes it more developer-friendly by utilizing robust security, simple code readability, and compiler simplicity.

Rust

Although it can be used to deploy alternative chains like Terra and Solana and create blockchains like Polkadot, Rust can also run on Ethereum. 

The performance-based language outside of smart contracts is called Rust. Because of its own model and extensive type system, developers may compile code more quickly by removing flaws.

Smart Contract Essentials

Here, we'll discuss the tools you should employ for your smart contract project development. Here, you're not required to select just one. All of these could be put to use if you'd like!

When discussing the best tools for smart contract development, libraries and oracles would also come up.

These tools are necessary to include the unique functionality you require in a smart contract.

For instance, libraries can assist in the addition of new dApps, whilst oracles can assist in the acquisition of data necessary for the execution of smart contracts.

The best blockchain oracle for developing smart contracts is ChainLink, which enables smart contracts to transform into hybrid smart contracts. Oracles are used by around 50% of smart contracts as a key component of their architecture.

On the other side, all developers must have access to smart contract tools, such as libraries like OpenZeppelin. The Solidity programming language's default library, OpenZeppelin, includes packages for a number of capabilities.

Using OpenZeppelin packages, you can install NFTs, DAOs, or upgradeable contracts to provide your smart contracts with new functionalities.

Also, Check | Addressing Student Credit Transfer Challenges with Smart Contract Solutions

Frameworks for Deployment and Testing

Any developer's plan must include the use of smart contract frameworks. You may successfully test and implement your smart contracts thanks to them. A key component of success is having at least one.

The Top Ones

• Brownie
• Hardhat
• DappTools

The Excellent Ones

• Truffle
• Apeworx
• Foundry
• Remix

The Alternatives

• Web3j
• Waffle
• SBT-Ethereum
• Embark
• Saddle

The Non-EVM Ones

• TerraSDK
• Anchor

Wallet

You require a crypto wallet to store funds, or at the very least testnet funds, if you're implementing smart contracts in any way.

A browser-based Ethereum tool is called MetaMask. It is essentially a wallet that serves as an add-on for browsers. MetaMask is a browser extension that works with Chrome, Firefox, and Opera to make it simple for you to communicate with the Ethereum platform.

Block Explorer

Among the finest tools for creating smart contracts is block explorers. Block explorers are used by developers to keep tabs on transactions and follow their progression.

One of the most well-known instances of a block explorer for smart contracts is Etherscan, a free blockchain explorer. It is without a doubt the biggest block explorer for the Ethereum community and has a tonne of built-in features.

Additional examples of smart contract tools in the category of block explorers include Etherchain and Ethplorer. Competitors of Etherscan are lighter and have created a number of unique, noteworthy features. However, Etherscan also supports activities on the Binance Smart Chain and Polygon networks.

Network at Layer 1

Why do smart contracts need to be created on a layer 1 blockchain? The list of the best tools for creating smart contracts would be incomplete without a discussion of the layer 1 network.

For instance, a layer 1 blockchain is required if you want to transmit a transaction to an ETH node using the Ethereum blockchain. Metamask and other well-known cryptocurrency wallets generally come with background connections to tier-1 nodes.

Alchemy, QuickNode, and Infura are a few well-known instances of tier-1 blockchain networks appropriate for the development of smart contracts. 

One of the most popular tools for creating smart contracts in layer 1 networks is Alchemy. It is one of the preferred solutions among developers for ETH and EVM connections because of its appealing and user-friendly UI. Alchemy also offers a variety of responsive layer 1 networks, along with first-rate customer support.

Monitoring and Maintenance Tools

Typically, developers utilize their own scripts for monitoring. On the other hand, well-known tools like OpenZeppelin's Tenderly and Defender can ensure developers' productivity increases. Both tools produce efficient results in addition to guaranteeing the safety of production code.

Front-end Development Tools

To enable a flexible and successful smart contract development project, front-end development tools are essential.

A developer's plan must include standard technologies like CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and frameworks like Angular or React.

Front-end development tools, on the other hand, help you add and improve new features to your smart contract apps.

Some examples of front-end development tools to generate smart contracts are Drizzle, UseDapp, Ethers.js, and Web3.js.

The Truffle Suite's Drizzle component offers a wide range of front-end technologies. The popular JavaScript frameworks Web3.js and Ethers.js, on the other hand, are popular for defining smart contract front-end functionalities.

Security Analysis Tools

The essential tools for developing smart contracts would include security analysis tools. Before uploading their code to the blockchain network, developers must be conscious of the requirement for audits. Security analysis tools help you find your application's vulnerabilities before releasing them into production.

Although developers must exercise caution, new tools for building smart contracts offer features that can make them safer.

MythX, Manticore, and Slither are notable examples of security analysis tools for creating smart contracts. While MythX is a solid option for cloud-based bug testing, Slither is a useful tool for static analysis techniques.

You may also like to explore | A Guide to Ensuring Smart Contract Security

What's Next

So there you have it—the comprehensive list of the top smart contract development tools for 202e. You may also consider employing the services of a blockchain development company to receive better direction during your entire smart contract development experience.