Aiken is a modern smart contract programming language for the Cardano blockchain.
It enables developers to write on-chain code and build dApps (decentralized applications) to deploy on Cardano faster and easier compared to other languages.
Modeled on familiar, mainstream languages like Typescript with simple syntax, Aiken lowers the entry barrier for new developers wishing to develop dApps.
Those who already have a background in frontend and backend web development will be able to make an even smoother transition to Web3 and the Cardano blockchain.
To help developers learn how to use Aiken effectively and get started right away with developing dApps, EMURGO Academy is now offering a new project-oriented Aiken Smart Contract Developer Course. (More details below.)
Learned will be able to get accredited in 15 weeks.
Cardano is an open-source, decentralized blockchain network that utilizes a provably secure consensus algorithm to verify and record data. It can execute programmable smart contracts and allows developers to use its technology to build dApps that can be used by others.
To build these dApps, developers must use a smart contract programming language such as Aiken.
Aiken offers many notable advantages for developers such as:
- A more familiar syntax and code structure. Other Cardano smart contract programming languages such as Plutus and Marlowe have a unique way of writing smart contract logic which can be often complex, unfamiliar, or restrictive. This can pose a significant, time-consuming barrier to getting started quickly with dApp development.
- Robust documentation and code examples. There are numerous tutorials and other support resources to help developers with the onboarding process.
Sign up for the Aiken Smart Contract Developer Course
- Faster installation and deployment. Other programming languages require the user to install additional software for its compilation. This adds extra steps to those looking to get started and steepens the learning curve. You can go from zero to Code in 5 minutes using Aiken.
- Error Detection. Aiken provides a built-in test framework to enable developers to identify errors for a much friendlier and more efficient development experience.
Since its introduction, Aiken has grown quickly and become increasingly adopted as the programming language behind many of the most popular dApps in the Cardano ecosystem due to the advantages it offers.
Cardano dApp projects that have used Aiken for some of its development include:
- Minswap V2 – Most popular Cardano DEX (decentralized exchange)
- JPG Store – One of Cardano’s largest NFT marketplaces
- SundaeSwap V3 – One of Cardano’s largest DEXs
- Lenfi – Lending & borrowing
- Nebula – NFT marketplace contract including chain indexer and event listener for individual projects
- Levvy – NFT-based lending & borrowing
- Danogo – Decentralized bond exchange
- Mehen (USDM) – USD-backed stablecoin
- ENCOINS – NFT-based private transactions protocol
Read more: Aiken: A New Way To Build Cardano dApps
EMURGO Academy’s Aiken Smart Contract Developer Course is focused on giving developers an engaging learning experience on using Aiken properly.
It will give learners insights into the complete life cycle of Cardano smart contract development using Aiken in 15 weeks.
The course will also include the actual deployment of a complete showcase dApp on Cardano’s test network using the knowledge acquired during the class sessions. Upon completion, learners will become familiar not only with Aiken as a smart contract language but also with Cardano’s unique smart contract capabilities and essential technological properties.
The course is taught online and scheduled to run for 15 weeks. It includes the following modules in order:
- Ideation and Environment Setup
The course will start with a focus on building a use case into a dApp. It will cover topics such as necessary features, design decisions, and final design specifications, all in a dynamic discussion-oriented format. It’ll also include setting up the development environment for Aiken locally and installing the proper extensions to use it effectively.
- Core dApp Development
Next, the program will move to smart contract development. It’ll explain how to set up the functions in the structure of an Aiken contract. It’ll go over which libraries have to be imported, the order, and how to set up the functions of the contract.
It’ll also discuss backend development. Cardano dApps need off-chain code which requires a server setup to process requests. This will lead to an explanation of how Cardano smart contracts work on the Cardano network.
Sign up for the Aiken Smart Contract Developer Course
- dApp Functional Expansion
The next course module leads to an explanation of how to design the functions of a smart contract. These are meant to represent the business logic of the dApp or platform the developers want to create. There is a gap between the logic of the business and the structure of a smart contract, so how to transform the former into the latter will be the focus of the module.
- Advanced Development and Integration
The next module leads with the integration of the smart contract with the rest of the parts of the dApp. This means integrating with the front end and Cardano wallets. The course will show how the different parts work together to create a dApp any user can interact with on Cardano.
- Project Finalization and Deployment
Finally, all the subjects of the course will be brought together in a final individual project. The participants will create their own use case-specific dApp that will be capable of running on Cardano’s test network and receive personalized mentorship from instructors. It’ll also explore the entrepreneurship opportunities on Cardano with Project Catalyst as a funding source.
Enroll now and unlock the secrets to building dApps faster on Cardano.
Slots are limited and filling up fast. Enroll now for the full Aiken Smart Contract Developer Course here.
The course is taught online and the new batch starts on October 26, 2024.
Don’t miss this chance to learn from Aiken experts, jump directly into dApp development on Cardano, and finish the course with a fully running dApp.
For more course information including start dates, please visit the course page.
About EMURGO
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Disclaimer
You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained herein shall constitute a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by EMURGO to invest.
