Whether you’re new to blockchain or migrating from another platform, this guide helps you find the most efficient path to building on Canton Network.Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.canton.network/llms.txt
Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
Quick Assessment
I'm new to blockchain development
I'm new to blockchain development
Recommended Path:
- Five-Minute Overview - Understand what Canton is
- Core Concepts - Learn the fundamentals
- Module 1: Understanding Canton - Build mental models
- Module 3: Daml Smart Contracts - Start coding
- Module 4: Building Applications - Hands-on practice with the example application
I have Ethereum/Solidity experience
I have Ethereum/Solidity experience
Recommended Path:
- Canton for Ethereum Developers - Map your knowledge
- Privacy Model - Understand the key difference
- Module 3: Daml Smart Contracts - Learn Daml syntax
- Module 4: Building Applications - Hands-on practice building a full-stack Canton app
- Immutable contracts (archive + create, not mutate)
- Explicit authorization (signatory/controller, not msg.sender)
- Privacy by default (declare observers, not hide data)
I have experience with other blockchains (Solana, Cosmos, etc.)
I have experience with other blockchains (Solana, Cosmos, etc.)
Recommended Path:
- Five-Minute Overview - Canton’s approach
- Canton for Ethereum Developers - Concept mapping (still useful)
- Architecture Overview - How components work
- Module 3: Daml Smart Contracts - Start coding
I want to understand Canton without coding (architect/PM)
I want to understand Canton without coding (architect/PM)
Learning Modules
The developer documentation is organized into progressive modules:| Module | Focus | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | Understanding Canton | None |
| Module 2 | Canton for Ethereum Devs | Ethereum/blockchain experience |
| Module 3 | Daml Smart Contracts | Module 1 or 2 |
| Module 4 | Building Applications | Module 3 |
| Module 5 | Testing & Deployment | Module 4 |
| Module 6 | Smart Contract Upgrades | Module 3-5 |
| Module 7 | Production Best Practices | Module 5 |
Development Stack Overview
Canton development involves these components:Prerequisites
Before starting development:Required
- Programming experience in any language
- Command line familiarity
- Git for version control
Helpful (but not required)
- Functional programming concepts (Haskell, OCaml, F#, or similar)
- Docker for running local environments
- PostgreSQL for PQS queries
Development Environment
Daml SDK
Install the SDK including Daml compiler and tools.
VS Code Extension
Install the Daml VS Code extension for syntax highlighting and IDE support.
Hands-on Practice
Ready to build? Module 4: Building Applications walks you through a full-stack Canton Network application end-to-end — prerequisites, running the demo, backend and frontend development, the JSON Ledger API, and observability.Getting Help
Community Slack
#gsf-global-synchronizer-appdev channel
Forum
Technical discussions and Q&A
FAQ
Common questions answered