Solidity 101
Are you looking to work in Blockchain? Or does crypto sound interesting to you? If this is the case, then you must know about Solidity. So what is Solidity? This is a type of programming language. So it helps you make applications that work on Blockchain. This language works mainly for Ethereum. So what is Ethereum? It is a type of cryptocurrency. So this programming language helps you design software. Thus, you can even make your own digital money! So you’ve come to the right place if you wish to become a Solidity Developer. So join us as we cover the basics of this programming language.
Working the Basics
You must know about development environments (IDEs) if you’re a Development. They are available both as computer and web applications. Moreover, Ethereum has an online IDE that has an in-built compiler. Thus, making the job easier for those who wish to learn. So let’s see what you need to know to jumpstart your learning.
1. Get a Compiler
We suggest you work on online compilers. Especially when you’re dealing with smaller projects. So you can visit the Ethereum Foundation and get your hands on this tech. Another way is to install the compiler on your device. So you can do this using the command:
npm install –g solc
2. Don’t Forget to Comment
Commenting is an important part of any code. So let’s see how you can comment in Solidity. If you’ve ever come across C++, you’ll find this way similar. If you wish to add a single-line comment, use a double forward slash “//”. But if you want to stretch it to more lines, use this, “/*……lines of code here……. */”.
While for previous function declarations, you’ll use “///” or “/**……lines of code here……. */”. This is the Natspec comment.
3. Let’s Import
You can declare a Solidity file using the “import” command. Example:
import “MyFile.sol”;
The “.sol” here shows that this is a Solidity file. So this statement will import all the data in the given file into the current file.
4. How to Layout a File
As Solidity is one of the fastest-growing languages in the world. New versions are constantly coming in. So, there might be conflicts when you write a code without specifying a version. You can do this by using the “pragma” keyword. It’s as simple as this:
pragma solidity ^0.8.20
This shows that you’re using the current, latest version of solidity.
5. Tag It
Tags are important when you’re working on Solidity. Especially in smart contracts. You can easily spot a tag as they start with the “@” symbol. Some tags and their uses are as follows:
- @title Title of a Smart Contract
- @author Author of the Smart Contract
- @dev Explanation for the developer
- @notice Explanation of a function
- @return Explanation of return type
- @param Explanation of parameter
So these are some basic tags that you can learn. These will help you understand the language better.
Structuring a Contract
The contract in solidity follows the concept of classes. Thus, you can inherit them from other contracts. Just like you inherit classes. A contract has the following key parts.
1. State variables
These variables are values that store permanently in the contract. You declare the datatype and then the name of the variable.
2. Events
These help you in using the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Your code can hear the events just like in JavaScript code.
3. Functions
These functions perform tasks that you assign them. Like any other programming language. You can call them internally or externally. Thus, making two types of functions.
You can access internal functions only through the current contract. In comparison, you can call external functions through external calls.
4. Function modifiers
These are the ones responsible for changing a function’s behavior. For example, they can automatically check a condition before performing a function. Or they can unlock a function at a given time.
There are four different kinds of modifiers. Pure, Constant, Payable, and View. Pure functions can’t read or write. So they only return the value they have to. At the same time, the Constant function can not write in the storage. The Payable function can receive either when you call it. At the same time, the View function views the data but cannot change it.
5. Types
These are the types of variables in Solidity. You need to declare them at compile time. There are two main types: value and reference.
a. Reference types
You pass them by reference. Plus, they are heavy on the memory. Because they use up memory.
b. Value types
These types of variables hold data in their memories. So they are like any other programming language. There are four main types of them:
- Integer: They assign integers. The two subcategories are “int” and “uint”. This refers to integers and signed integers. Means positive and negative numbers both. You assign their size at compile time. You can even assign them by size, e.g., int8 or int256.
- Boolean: These are absolute data types. That is true or false. Example “bool x = true;” makes x set as true.
- Address: These have a 20-byte value. Many different members have access to this type. Such as send, call, transfer, or balance. For example, the balance will return the balance at that address.
- Array value type: You can make a fixed or dynamic array through this. Their keywords are from bytes1 to bytes32. Thus, making a fixed-size array. But if you wish to make a dynamic array, use “bytes” or “string” keywords.
6. Structs
This is a composite datatype. They can define new types. But a struct cannot contain a member of the struct type. This help when you’re making a user-defined datatype. For example:
struct MyStruct{
address MyAddress;
uint MyNumber;
string MyName;
}
7. Enums
These also allow you to create user-defined types. So you can easily convert them to and from all integer types. For example:
enum MyTask{
develop, design, install
};
The Takeaway
Now that you know the basics, it’s time to link with the pros. So visit the Unique Software Development in Texas. They have experts on Blockchain and cryptocurrencies. So you can learn more from their team of experts. Or even let them design the perfect software for you!
