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Dhruv Patel
Dhruv Patel

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Getting Started with Stellar Development: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

To implement Stellar's blockchain tools and development environment on a PC or laptop that currently has no relevant software installed, you need to set up the foundational tools, software dependencies, and Stellar-specific tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide covering all the details:

  1. Prepare Your System Before installing anything, ensure your PC or laptop is ready for development.

a. System Requirements
Operating System: Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Memory: At least 8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended).
Storage: 50 GB or more of free space.
Processor: Minimum dual-core; quad-core or higher is preferred.
Internet: A stable internet connection for downloading software and interacting with the Stellar network.
b. Update Your System
Ensure your operating system is fully updated:

Windows: Run Windows Update.
macOS: Check for updates via System Preferences.
Linux: Run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade (for Debian-based distros).

To implement Stellar's blockchain tools and development environment on a PC or laptop that currently has no relevant software installed, you need to set up the foundational tools, software dependencies, and Stellar-specific tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide covering all the details:

  1. Prepare Your System Before installing anything, ensure your PC or laptop is ready for development.

a. System Requirements
Operating System: Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Memory: At least 8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended).
Storage: 50 GB or more of free space.
Processor: Minimum dual-core; quad-core or higher is preferred.
Internet: A stable internet connection for downloading software and interacting with the Stellar network.
b. Update Your System
Ensure your operating system is fully updated:

Windows: Run Windows Update.
macOS: Check for updates via System Preferences.
Linux: Run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade (for Debian-based distros).

  1. Install a Programming Environment Stellar development often uses Rust for smart contracts and SDKs for application development.

a. Install Git
Git is essential for cloning repositories.

Download: https://git-scm.com/
Follow the installer instructions for your OS.
Verify the installation by running:

git --version
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b. Install a Code Editor
A good code editor is essential. Visual Studio Code is highly recommended.

Download: https://code.visualstudio.com/
Install the recommended extensions:
Rust Extension for Rust development.
REST Client for testing APIs.
c. Install Node.js and npm
Node.js is often used for front-end development and Stellar SDKs.

Download: https://nodejs.org/
Follow the installer instructions for your OS.
Verify installation:

node --version
npm --version
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  1. Install Stellar-Specific Tools a. Install Rust Rust is required for writing Stellar smart contracts.

Open a terminal or command prompt.
Install Rust using the following command:

curl --proto '=https' --tlsv1.2 -sSf https://sh.rustup.rs | sh
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Follow the on-screen instructions and restart your terminal.
Verify the installation:

rustc --version
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b. Install Stellar CLI
The Stellar CLI is used for managing smart contracts and interacting with the network.

Install via Cargo (Rust's package manager):

cargo install soroban-cli
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Verify installation:

soroban --version
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  1. Set Up a Stellar Test Environment a. Choose the Network Stellar has multiple networks:

Mainnet: For live transactions (requires real funds).
Testnet: For testing and development.
Futurenet: For experimental features.
Use Testnet or Futurenet for development.

b. Set Up Horizon
Horizon is Stellar's API for accessing network data. You can use a public Horizon server or set up your own.

Public Horizon Server: Use https://horizon-testnet.stellar.org.
Set Up Horizon Locally:
Install Docker: https://www.docker.com/
Pull the Stellar Horizon image:

docker pull stellar/horizon
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Run the Horizon container:

docker run -d -p 8000:8000 stellar/horizon
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  1. Start Developing on Stellar a. Write a Smart Contract Create a new Rust project: 
cargo new my_stellar_contract
cd my_stellar_contract
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Add Stellar's Rust SDK to Cargo.toml:

[dependencies]
soroban-sdk = "0.8.0"
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Write a basic smart contract in src/lib.rs:
rust

use soroban_sdk::{contractimpl, Env};

pub struct HelloWorld;

#[contractimpl]
impl HelloWorld {
    pub fn say_hello(env: Env) -> &'static str {
        "Hello, Stellar!"
    }
}
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Build and Test the Contract
Build the contract:

cargo build --release --target wasm32-unknown-unknown
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Test the contract:

cargo test
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Deploy the Contract
Start the Stellar sandbox:

soroban sandbox start
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Deploy the contract:

soroban deploy --wasm target/wasm32-unknown-unknown/release/my_stellar_contract.wasm
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  1. Develop a DApp to Interact with the Contract a. Create a Frontend Initialize a new Node.js project: 
mkdir my_stellar_dapp
cd my_stellar_dapp
npm init -y
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Install Stellar’s JavaScript SDK:

npm install stellar-sdk
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Write a simple interaction script:
javascript

const StellarSdk = require('stellar-sdk');
const server = new StellarSdk.Server('https://horizon-testnet.stellar.org');

async function fetchAccount() {
    const account = await server.loadAccount('YOUR_PUBLIC_KEY');
    console.log(account);
}

fetchAccount();
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  1. Test and Debug a. Use Testnet Funds Get free testnet funds using the Stellar friendbot:

Visit: https://friendbot.stellar.org/
Enter your public key to receive test funds.
b. Use Transaction Simulation
Use Stellar's transaction simulation to test transactions before executing them:

soroban simulate --source ACCOUNT_ID --operation Operation
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  1. Deploy on Mainnet
    Switch to the mainnet Horizon server: https://horizon.stellar.org.
    Use a wallet to manage real Stellar Lumens (XLM) for fees and transactions.

  2. Join Stellar Developer Community
    Join the Stellar Developer Discord: Ask questions and share progress.
    Contribute to the Stellar Developer Docs via GitHub.

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