# First Steps in Development

## First Steps with æternity Blockchain Development

### Setting Up Your First Project

Getting started with æternity blockchain development is straightforward with the æternity project tool (aeproject). This command-line utility helps you initialize projects, compile smart contracts, run tests, and deploy to the blockchain.

To begin your journey, create a new project directory and initialize it with the aeproject tool:

```bash
mkdir my-aepp
cd my-aepp
aeproject init
```

The initialization process creates a well-organized project structure with dedicated directories for your smart contracts, deployment scripts, tests, and Docker configuration.\
\
The initialization process creates a well-organized project structure:\
\
my-aepp/

```
├── contracts/       # Sophia smart contracts
├── deployment/      # Deployment scripts
├── test/           # Test files
└── docker/         # Docker configuration
```

Now it's time to write your first smart contract in the Sophia language:

```sophia
// contracts/HelloWorld.aes
contract HelloWorld =
  entrypoint sayHello(name : string) : string =
    String.concat("Hello, ", name)
```

To ensure your contract works as expected, write a test file:

```javascript
// test/helloWorldTest.js
const { assert } = require('chai')
const { utils } = require('@aeternity/aeproject')

describe('HelloWorld', () => {
  let contract
  
  before(async () => {
    contract = await utils.deployContract('HelloWorld')
  })
  
  it('should say hello', async () => {
    const result = await contract.sayHello('æternity')
    assert.equal(result, 'Hello, æternity')
  })
})
```

Run your tests with `aeproject test`.

### Wallet Setup and Acquiring Test Tokens

To interact with the æternity blockchain, you'll need a wallet. The [**Base æpp (Mobile Wallet)**](https://base.aepps.com/) is a comprehensive mobile wallet for iOS and Android. Create a new account and securely store your seed phrase.

For browser-based development, install the [**SuperHero Wallet (Browser Extension)**](https://wallet.superhero.com/). It allows easy switching between mainnet and testnet environments.

Before deploying to mainnet, develop on the testnet using free test tokens. Visit <https://faucet.aeternity.io> or use the command:

```bash
curl -X POST -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"address": "YOUR_PUBLIC_KEY"}' \
  https://faucet.aeternity.io/account/balance
```

### Environment Configuration

Configure your environment to connect to the appropriate æternity network:

```javascript
// config/network.js
module.exports = {
  networks: {
    testnet: {
      node: "https://testnet.aeternity.io",
      compilerUrl: "https://compiler.aeternity.io"
    },
    local: {
      node: "http://localhost:3001",
      compilerUrl: "http://localhost:3080"
    }
  }
}
```

During development, use a local node with `aeproject node` for faster testing.

### Next Steps

Explore æternity's advanced features like [state channels ](/developer-documentation/protocol/channels.md)for off-chain scaling, [oracles ](/developer-documentation/protocol/oracles.md)for accessing external data, and the [AENS naming system ](/developer-documentation/aepp-sdk-js/docs/guides/aens.md)for human-readable addresses.

Join the[ æternity Forum](https://forum.aeternity.com/) to connect with the community.&#x20;

Always develop on testnet before moving to mainnet, and carefully review your code for security vulnerabilities.


---

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