# Essential Tools Overview

#### Core Development Tools

1. [**æproject**](/developer-documentation/aeproject.md) **CLI**

* Project scaffolding
* Smart contract compilation
* Test framework
* Local node management

```bash
bashCopy# Create a new project
aeproject init

# Start a local node
aeproject node

# Deploy a contract
aeproject deploy
```

2. [**Javascript SDK** ](/developer-documentation/aepp-sdk-js.md)**(aepp-sdk)**

* JavaScript library for interacting with æternity blockchain
* Contract deployment and interaction
* Account management
* Transaction handling

3. [**FATE**](/developer-documentation/protocol/contracts/fate.md) **(Fast Æternity Transaction Engine)**

* Virtual machine for smart contract execution
* Provides type safety and efficiency
* Native support for blockchain primitives

#### Node

* [Mainnet](https://mainnet.aeternity.io/v3/status) - Access to the `status` endpoint
* [Testnet](https://testnet.aeternity.io/v3/status) - Access to the `status` endpoint
* [Swagger-UI](https://api-docs.aeternity.io/) - Explore and interact with the Node API

#### Middleware

* [Mainnet](https://mainnet.aeternity.io/mdw/v2/status) - Access to the `status` endpoint
* [Testnet](https://testnet.aeternity.io/mdw/v2/status) - Access to the `status` endpoint

#### Explorers

* [Mainnet](https://explorer.aeternity.io/) - Explore the history of æternity mainnet
* [Testnet](https://explorer.testnet.aeternity.io/) - Explore the history of æternity testnet

#### Other Services

**Faucet**

* [Testnet Faucet](https://faucet.aeternity.io/) - Fund your wallet with some Æ coins and get started

**Smart Contract Development**

* [Sophia HTTP Compiler](https://compiler.aepps.com/version) - Access the `version` endpoint
* [REPL](https://repl.aeternity.io/) - REPL with a basic UI
* [Contract Editor](https://contracts.aepps.com/) - Lightweight editor for quick prototyping
* [AEstudio](https://studio.aepps.com/) - IDE for quick prototyping with Wallet connection

<br>


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