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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.

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Quick Assessment

Recommended Path:
  1. Five-Minute Overview - Understand what Canton is
  2. Core Concepts - Learn the fundamentals
  3. Module 1: Understanding Canton - Build mental models
  4. Module 3: Daml Smart Contracts - Start coding
  5. QuickStart - Run the example application
Recommended Path:
  1. Canton for Ethereum Developers - Map your knowledge
  2. Privacy Model - Understand the key difference
  3. Module 3: Daml Smart Contracts - Learn Daml syntax
  4. QuickStart - See it in action
Key differences to internalize:
  • Immutable contracts (archive + create, not mutate)
  • Explicit authorization (signatory/controller, not msg.sender)
  • Privacy by default (declare observers, not hide data)
Recommended Path:
  1. Five-Minute Overview - Canton’s approach
  2. Canton for Ethereum Developers - Concept mapping (still useful)
  3. Architecture Overview - How components work
  4. Module 3: Daml Smart Contracts - Start coding

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Learning Modules

The developer documentation is organized into progressive modules:
ModuleFocusPrerequisites
Module 1Understanding CantonNone
Module 2Canton for Ethereum DevsEthereum/blockchain experience
Module 3Daml Smart ContractsModule 1 or 2
Module 4Building ApplicationsModule 3
Module 5Testing & DeploymentModule 4
Module 6Smart Contract UpgradesModule 3-5
Module 7Production Best PracticesModule 5

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Development Stack Overview

Canton development involves these components:

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Prerequisites

Before starting development:

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Required

  • Programming experience in any language
  • Command line familiarity
  • Git for version control

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Helpful (but not required)

  • Functional programming concepts (Haskell, OCaml, F#, or similar)
  • Docker for running local environments
  • PostgreSQL for PQS queries

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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.

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QuickStart: The Fastest Path

If you want to see Canton in action immediately:
  1. Clone the QuickStart repository: 
    git clone https://github.com/digital-asset/cn-quickstart
cd cn-quickstart
  2. Set up and start the local environment: 
    make setup
make build
make start
  3. Explore the demo application
The QuickStart includes:
  • Working Daml contracts
  • Java backend
  • React frontend
  • LocalNet configuration
The QuickStart requires Docker with at least 8GB RAM allocated. See QuickStart Prerequisites for detailed requirements.

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Getting Help

Community Slack

#gsf-global-synchronizer-appdev channel

Forum

Technical discussions and Q&A

FAQ

Common questions answered