> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.aeternity.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.aeternity.com/aeternity-developer-tools/quick-start-guide/essential-tools-overview.md).

# 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>


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.aeternity.com/aeternity-developer-tools/quick-start-guide/essential-tools-overview.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.