AlgoDesk — Algorand’s Lightweight IDE, Allowing for building blockchain solutions on the go.
--
Introduction
It is pertinent for every blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms wishing to continually remain relevant on the market to ensure that their platforms are always ready and able to support the development of decentralized applications (dApps).
The ability of blockchains to endear this feature to their network gives them an advantage over other blockchains. This is because developers of dApps would most certainly have their applications built on blockchains that will support them; blockchains which they’d be able also to test their developed dApps on.
Algorand, being a blockchain committed to decentralization, has, as a result, introduced Algodesk, an integrated development environment that allows developers to build on the Algorand network.
Algodesk is a web-based developer-friendly tool that is open-source and available to use for the building of decentralized apps and smart contracts in the Algorand network. Alongside Algorand Studio, it is one of Algorand’s two integrated development environments (IDEs) that provide composite tools for developers to write and compile software codes with ease.
Functions of IDEs
When compared to building dApps and smart contracts with SDK sources codes, Algodesk like the other IDE reduces significantly the amount of work required to be done by the developer by providing the environment for them to develop, edit and compile their codes seamlessly.
These IDEs make it possible for developers, both amateur and professional, to have a hang around the codes and functions from SDKs which are usually complicated. They could also provide tools for debugging which could help in pin-pointing errors within a code to ensure that every code was written correctly.
More importantly, is the developer-friendliness with which IDEs on the Algorand platform (especially Algodesk) are built. They make it possible for both non-programmers and programmers alike to have equal opportunities to build on the network, especially beginners who need soft starts to be able to develop on whichever software development ecosystem they would like to explore some of Algorand’s core features on.
IDEs on the Algorand network are community projects maintained by developer advocates within the ecosystem. As mentioned earlier, they are open-source projects and currently, there are only two recognized IDEs for building on Algorand — Algodesk and Algorand Studio.
Features of Algodesk
In addition to being open-source and development-friendly, Algodesk is the web version of Algorand’s IDE, which does not require a software installation. It provides an enabling environment for quickly starting up the development of dApps and smart contracts on the Algorand network
It is easy and straightforward to use for novices when compared to the other IDE, Algorand Studio. The ease of use associated with Algodesk stems from the fact that it is a simple web-only tool with an enabling environment where a user can even start testing their skills on Algorand in as little as two minutes.
Algodesk is also capable of giving out development awards to developers. The award covers a portal for asset management and a web IDE for TEAL smart contracts.
While the asset management portal covers key features like asset creation, asset modification, destruction, freezing, list view of assets connected to an account, and a network picker to choose either between testnet/mainet to launch an asset; the Web IDE for PyTeal and TEAL smart contracts has features such as intelligent code completion, syntax coloring, template variables, and more.
Algodesk also has pre-defined templates which can help developers build and compile their desired smart contracts. It also possesses an inbuilt debugger that checks the codes and detects an error in them. Creation of Algorand Standard Assets and managing their configuration has become very easy to do with the introduction of Algodesk. Algorand assets and transactions can also be created using the front-end as well with tools provided by Algodesk.
Final Words
Building decentralized applications and smart contracts on blockchains have never been more accessible than it is now. Even non-developers without prior skills of programming and code assembly can build on the Algorand network thanks to Algodesk.
Algodesk brings in the solution that is craved by both developers and non-developers alike. This is not unconnected to the fact that prior blockchains and emerging ones continue to claim to support the developments of dApps and smart contracts. Still, none has had a practical working framework as Algorand.
The fact that Algodesk is web-based makes it even more accessible since developers are now able to build with a click on their web browser on their smartphones or with their computers, all from the comfort of their homes, work, wherever and whenever. What do you think about Algodesk? I will love to hear your opinions.
