Build DeFi that doesn't break. Ship dApps that actually work.

Bitcoin-level security meets smart contracts. No reentrancy attacks. No hidden state. Predictable costs.

Start BuildingOpen Docs

// Simple ErgoScript contract for a timed lock
{
  sigmaProp(
    HEIGHT < 1000000L && // Lock until block 1,000,000
    PK(02a799a799a799a799a799a799a799a799a799a799a799a799a799a799a799a799) // Only owner can spend
  )
}

Why Build on Ergo?

eUTXO Model: No Surprises

No reentrancy attacks. No MEV exploitation. No hidden global state. Know exactly what your contract will cost before execution.

Sigma Protocols: Privacy Without PhD

Built-in zero-knowledge proofs. Add privacy features without cryptography expertise. Ring signatures, threshold proofs, all native.

Proof-of-Work: No Chain Halts

No rollbacks. No governance attacks. No validator cartels. Battle-tested security that just works.

Fair Launch: No Corporate BS

Zero VC premines. Zero foundation tax. Build on a chain where the community actually owns the network.

See real-world dApps built on Ergo

Your First 10 Minutes

Choose your path and get started quickly with Ergo's developer resources.

Step 01

Clone the official Ergo repository

3 min

Get the main Ergo protocol implementation with examples and documentation. Contains reference implementations and development tools.

$git clone https://github.com/ergoplatform/ergo
$cd ergo
$sbt compile

Main repository contains protocol implementation, examples, and comprehensive documentation for developers.

Open repository

Step 02

Boot local node + dev server

4 min

Run an Ergo node/explorer via Docker (or connect to public testnet) and start the frontend for rapid iteration.

$docker run --rm -it -p 9053:9053 ergoplatform/ergo-node
$cp .env.example .env.local # add your wallet seed & API keys
$npm run dev

Keep the Dockerized node running in one tab while the React/Vite dev server hot reloads your UI.

Step 03

Deploy the sample contract to testnet

5 min

Use the included scripts to compile ErgoScript, fund a test wallet, and publish the contract with one command.

$npm run build:contract
$npm run fund:testnet -- --address <YOUR_TESTNET_ADDRESS>
$npm run deploy:testnet -- --mnemonic "<YOUR 15 WORDS>"

Need ERG for testing? Request coins at https://testnet.ergofaucet.org/

Follow full deployment guide

Why Ergo is Different

On Ergo you get a Bitcoin-like UTXO base, but extended for complex contracts and privacy, without inheriting Ethereum's global-state complexity.

Blockchain Platform Comparison

Ergo vs Bitcoin / Ethereum / Monero

Platform comparison
CriterionBitcoinEthereumMoneroErgo
Base Model
UTXO
Account
UTXO
eUTXO
Smart Contract Safety
Limited
Reentrancy risks
None
Predictable, safer
Privacy Features (L1)
Transparent
Transparent
Mandatory
Optional (Sigma)
Fees & Predictability
Volatile
High, unpredictable
Low, predictable
Low, predictable
Developer Tooling
Limited
Mature
Minimal
Growing, robust

Snapshot comparison of security, privacy, fees and tooling across leading PoW/PoS chains.

Read: eUTXO vs Accounts

Live Network Health

Live on-chain data (updated in real time)

Stable base layer = reliable smart contracts for your dApps.

Network Hashrate

5.08 TH/s

Ensures security and censorship resistance.

Transactions/Day

752

Indicates active usage and contract execution.

Active Nodes

1,156

Reflects decentralization and network robustness.

DeFi TVL

$1.8M

Shows ecosystem surface area for your dApps.

Current Supply

82.4M ERG

Predictable monetary policy for long-term planning.

Emission Left

15.367M left

Long-term sustainability for your projects.

Explore Ergo ExplorerOpen Ecosystem Map

Your Dev Toolbox

Everything you need to start building on Ergo, from comprehensive documentation to powerful SDKs and essential development tools.

Use Cases You Can Build

Ergo's unique architecture enables a wide range of powerful and secure decentralized applications.

Talk to Humans

Connect with the Ergo developer community for support, collaboration, and discussions.

Join Dev Discord

Real-time support & discussions

Get direct help from core developers and community members in dedicated dev channels.

Explore Ergo GitHub

Contribute to core development

Dive into the codebase, open issues, and contribute to Ergo's core protocols and tools.

Developer FAQ

Ready to Start Building on Ergo?

Choose your next step and join a growing ecosystem of innovative dApps.

10-Minute Quickstart

Get your dev environment ready

Follow our step-by-step guide to set up your development environment and deploy your first contract.

Browse Contract Examples

Learn from real-world code

Explore a library of ErgoScript contract examples for various use cases, from DeFi to NFTs.

Talk to Developers

Get direct support

Join our Discord to connect with core developers and the community for real-time assistance.

Stay Updated on Ergo Dev

Get notified about new dev tools, ErgoScript updates, and ecosystem developments.

Follow for daily updates

Ergo for Developers - Build DeFi That Doesn't Break | English - Ergo Platform