Smart Contract Lifecycle on XDC Network: Create, Test, Deploy

Smart Contract Lifecycle on XDC Network: Create, Test, Deploy

Smart contracts are a revolutionary aspect of blockchain technology, automating and enforcing agreements without intermediaries. The XDC Network, with its focus on global trade and finance, offers a robust platform for creating, testing, and deploying smart contracts. This article delves into the lifecycle of smart contracts on the XDC Network, guiding you through every step from creation to deployment and beyond, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of this cutting-edge technology.

What is XDC Network?

The XDC Network is a blockchain platform, but it's designed with a specific focus on the needs of businesses, especially in areas like global trade and finance. Think of a blockchain as a digital chain of blocks, where each block includes information about transactions. This information is stored in a way that makes it very secure and almost impossible to change or hack, which is why it's appealing for business use.

Let's use an example to illustrate how the XDC Network can be helpful in a real-world scenario. Imagine two companies, one in Japan and another in Brazil, are involved in international trade. They need a reliable and efficient way to manage and track their transactions, from the initial agreement to the final payment. Traditionally, this process involves multiple steps, various intermediaries like banks, and lots of paperwork, which can be time-consuming and costly.

With the XDC Network, these companies can streamline this process. They can create a "smart contract" on the XDC blockchain, which is like a digital agreement that automatically executes and records the terms of their deal, such as delivery of goods and payments. This contract is transparent (both parties can see it), secure (protected against tampering), and efficient (reduces the need for mediators). So, the car company in Japan and the parts supplier in Brazil can conduct their business faster, with less risk and potentially lower costs, all facilitated by the technology of the XDC Network.

Understanding the Functioning of Smart Contracts on the XDC Network

  • Smart Contract Creation:
  • On the XDC Network, you start by writing a smart contract in a specific programming language. This contract contains the rules and conditions that need to be met for specific actions to happen.

  • Deployment on the XDPoS Network:
  • Once written, this contract is deployed on the XDC Network's XDPoS (XinFin Delegated Proof of Stake) blockchain. The XDPoS is a unique consensus mechanism of the XDC Network that ensures faster transaction times and energy efficiency.

  • Token Creation Compatibility:
  • Smart contracts on the XDC Network can be used to create cryptocurrencies or tokens. These tokens comply with a standard coin API, ensuring they are compatible across all XDC blockchain wallets.

  • dApp Development:
  • For decentralized application (dApp) development, these smart contracts provide the necessary backend support. They enable the creation of secure and resilient dApps that bring transparency and reduce intermediary involvement.

  • Fundraising Mechanism:
  • A smart contract with specific goals and deadlines can be established in fundraising scenarios. The contract autonomously manages the collection and distribution (or refund) of funds based on whether the objectives are achieved.

  • Building Decentralized Organizations:
  • Smart contracts can outline membership rules, voting protocols, and other organizational structures for creating blockchain-based organizations. Actions within the organization are automatically executed based on these predefined rules, as agreed upon by the members.

  • Automated Execution:
  • The core feature of these smart contracts is that they execute automatically when predefined conditions are met, without the need for intermediary oversight.

    Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create and Deploy Smart Contracts on the XDC Network

    The XDC Network, renowned for its enterprise-ready hybrid blockchain technology, offers a robust platform for creating and deploying smart contracts. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for developers interested in leveraging the XDC Network's unique capabilities. We will cover each step, from setting up the development environment to deploying and testing your smart contract, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience on the XDC Network.

    Step 1: Install Prerequisites for Smart Contract Development on the XDC Network

    Before developing smart contracts on the XDC Network, you need to set up your development environment:

  • Node.js and npm: Essential for running JavaScript code and managing project dependencies. Download from the Node.js official website.
  • Solidity Compiler (solc): Required for compiling Solidity smart contracts. Install via npm with npm install -g solc.
  • XDC Network Tools:
    • Wallet CLI: For deploying contracts and executing operations on the XDC mainnet.
    • XDCPay Chrome Extension: Facilitates interaction between web applications and the XDC Network.
  • IDE or Text Editor: Choose one like Visual Studio Code for coding and debugging your smart contracts.
  • Step 2: Create a Wallet with XDCPay

    Now that your development environment is ready, the next step is to create a wallet with XDCPay, which is essential for managing and deploying smart contracts on the XDC Network.

  • Install XDCPay Chrome Extension:
    • Find and install the XDCPay extension from the Chrome Web Store.
  • Wallet Setup:
    • Open the XDCPay extension and choose "Create a Wallet" if you're a new user.
    • During setup, a recovery phrase will be generated. Securely store this phrase, as it's crucial for wallet recovery.
  • Security Measures:
    • Establish a strong password for additional security.
  • Wallet Funding:
    • Deposit XDC into your new wallet to cover transaction fees for deploying contracts.
  • Step 3: Select a Test Network

    With your XDCPay wallet established, the next step involves selecting a test network. "This phase is crucial for validating your smart contracts before their deployment on the mainnet."

  • Choosing the Test Network:
    • Inside XDCPay, you'll find an option to switch networks.
    • Select a test network from the list provided. This could be the "Apothem Testnet" or any other test network supported by the XDC Network.
    • The test network allows you to deploy and interact with smart contracts without using real funds.
  • Acquiring Test XDC:
    • To conduct transactions on the test network, you'll need to test XDC tokens.
    • You can usually acquire these from a faucet specific to the test network.
  • Testing and Development:
    • Use the test network to deploy, test, and interact with your smart contracts.
    • This step is crucial to ensure everything works as expected without the risk of losing real funds.
  • Step 4: Add Test XDC to Your Wallet

    After selecting a test network in XDCPay, the next step is to add test XDC tokens to your wallet. These tokens are used for executing transactions and deploying smart contracts on the test network, enabling you to test your contracts without using real funds.

  • Locate a Testnet Faucet:
    • Inside XDCPay, you'll find an option to switch networks.
    • Faucets are websites or services that distribute free test tokens for development purposes.
  • Requesting Test XDC:
    • Visit the faucet website for your selected test network.
    • Enter your wallet address from XDCPay.
    • Follow the instructions on the faucet site, which typically involve clicking a button to receive the test tokens.
  • Receiving Test Tokens:
    • Once you request a test XDC, the faucet will send a certain amount to your wallet.
    • This process may take a few minutes. Refresh your XDCPay wallet to check if the tokens have been credited.
  • Verifying Token Receipt:
    • After receiving the test tokens, verify the balance in your XDCPay wallet to ensure the test XDC is available for use.
  • Step 5: Write Smart Contracts Using Remix Editor

    With your wallet loaded with test XDC, the following step is to write the smart contract. We'll use the Remix IDE, a robust web-based development environment for this.

  • Accessing Remix IDE:
    • Go to the Remix IDE website.
    • Remix is a browser-based IDE, so there's no need to download anything.
  • Creating a New Contract:
    • In Remix, create a new file for your smart contract. You can do this by clicking the "File Explorer" icon and then the "Create New File" icon.
    • Name your file with a .sol extension, indicating it's a Solidity file.
  • Writing the Contract:
    • Start coding your smart contract in the editor. If you're new to Solidity, you can find sample contracts within Remix or look up tutorials online.
    • Use the Solidity language to define the logic and functions of your smart contract.
  • Compiling the Contract:
    • Once your contract is written, compile it using Remix's Solidity compiler.
    • Check for any errors or warnings in the code and resolve them before proceeding.
  • Testing in Remix:
    • Remix also allows you to run and test your smart contracts in a simulated environment.
    • Utilize this feature to ensure your contract behaves as expected.
  • Step 6: Create a .sol Extension File

    To start writing your smart contract, you need to create a Solidity file with a .sol extension in your chosen IDE or text editor.

  • Open Your IDE: Launch the IDE you are comfortable with, such as Visual Studio Code or Remix IDE.
  • Create a New File: Go to the file menu and choose to create a new file.
  • Set the File Extension: Name your file with a .sol extension, for example, MyContract.sol. This designates the file as a Solidity file.
  • Step 7: Write a Sample Smart Contract

    With your .sol file ready, begin coding your smart contract.

  • Start with a Template: If you're new to Solidity, start with a basic contract template or example.
  • Define Contract Structure: Write the Solidity code defining your contract's structure, including variables, functions, and any other necessary components.
  • Add Functionality: Implement the logic and functions that your contract requires.
  • Step 8: Deploy Your Contract on the Testnet

    Once your contract is written, the next step is deployment on a test network.

  • Compile the Contract: Use your IDE's Solidity compiler to compile the contract.
  • Connect to Test Network: Connect to the selected test network in your IDE or using a tool like XDCPay.
  • Deploy the Contract: Initiate the deployment process from your IDE, making sure you are connected to the test network.
  • Step 9: Test the Smart Contract

    Testing is crucial to ensure your contract functions as intended.

  • Execute Contract Functions: Use your IDE or XDCPay to call functions of the contract.
  • Monitor Transactions: Check if transactions execute correctly and debug if there are any issues.
  • Refine as Needed: Make any necessary adjustments to your contract based on the test results.
  • Step 10: Deploy on the Mainnet

    After thorough testing, deploy your contract on the XDC Network mainnet.

  • Connect to Mainnet: Switch from the test network to the XDC mainnet in your IDE or XDCPay.
  • Deploy the Contract: Initiate the deployment process, ensuring you have sufficient XDC for transaction fees.
  • Confirm Deployment: Wait for the confirmation that your contract is successfully deployed on the mainnet.
  • Step 11: Verify and Interact with Your Contract

    Finally, interact with your contract on the mainnet.

  • Verify Contract: Use XDC Network explorers to verify your contract's deployment.
  • Interact with Contract: Execute contract functions through your IDE or other tools like XDCPay.
  • Monitor and Maintain: Regularly monitor your contract's performance and make updates as necessary.
  • Let's build together on Smart contract for Blockchain

    How to Test Smart Contracts on the XDC Network: Essential Procedures

    • Write the Contract: Begin by writing your smart contract using a suitable programming language.
    • Set Up Test Environment: Use a local blockchain simulator or the XDC Network's testnet for a safe testing environment.
    • Deploy on Testnet: Deploy your contract to the testnet, a network for testing without real-world effects.
    • Functionality Testing: Execute and test the functions of your smart contract to ensure they work as expected.
    • Security Checks: Use tools or manual checks to identify potential security vulnerabilities in your contract.
    • Gas Usage Analysis: Monitor and optimize the gas usage of your contract to ensure cost-efficiency.
    • Stress Testing: Test the contract under extreme conditions, like high transaction volumes and edge cases.
    • Peer Review/Audit: Have your contract reviewed or audited by other experienced developers or a professional auditing firm.
    • Refine and Adjust: Make necessary adjustments based on test results and feedback.
    • Deploy to Main Network: Once thoroughly tested and refined, deploy your contract to the main XDC Network for actual use.

    Best practices for smart contract development on the XDC Network

  • Deep Understanding of the XDC Network's Features:
  • It is fundamental to grasp the XDC Network's unique aspects, especially its XDPoS consensus mechanism. This knowledge aids in creating smart contracts that are optimized for the network's architecture, ensuring they are both efficient and compatible. Understanding the network's specific features helps leverage its full potential for your smart contract.

  • Prioritize Security in Development:
  • Security is paramount in smart contract development due to blockchain transactions' immutability and financial nature. This involves:

  • It is being aware of common vulnerabilities like reentrancy attacks and practicing safe coding standards to mitigate them.
  • Conducting thorough security audits and peer reviews. Regular internal and external audits are crucial for identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities.
  • Implementing best practices in smart contract security, such as using known secure patterns for standard functions and avoiding known anti-patterns.
  • Efficient and Clear Coding Practices:
  • Given the cost implications associated with smart contract execution (gas fees), efficient coding is essential. This involves writing gas-efficient code and ensuring the code is clear and maintainable. Clear, well-documented code is easier to audit and less prone to errors.

  • Comprehensive Testing on Testnet:
  • Before deploying smart contracts to the mainnet, extensive testing on the testnet is crucial. This process should include:

  • Unit tests to check individual functions.
  • Integration tests to make sure that different parts of the contract work well together.
  • Stress tests under various conditions to assess the contract's performance and robustness.
  • Regular Updates and Maintenance:
  • The blockchain ecosystem is dynamic, with frequent updates and new best practices emerging. Keeping your smart contract updated with the latest standards and improvements is vital for its long-term functionality and security.

    Bottom line:

    The XDC Network provides a seamless and efficient platform for smart contract development, especially tailored to global trade and finance needs. Developers can leverage the network's unique features by following the steps outlined, from setting up the development environment to deploying and interacting with smart contracts. With its focus on security, efficiency, and compatibility, the XDC Network is poised to revolutionize how businesses interact and transact in the digital age.

    Next Article

    Mistakes To Avoid While Building NFT Marketplace

    Mistakes To Avoid While Building NFT Marketplace

    Research

    NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, became a popular topic in 2021's digital world, comprising digital music, trading cards, digital art, and photographs of animals. Know More

    Blockchain is a network of decentralized nodes that holds data. It is an excellent approach for protecting sensitive data within the system. Know More

    Workshop

    The Rapid Strategy Workshop will also provide you with a clear roadmap for the execution of your project/product and insight into the ideal team needed to execute it. Learn more

    It helps all the stakeholders of a product like a client, designer, developer, and product manager all get on the same page and avoid any information loss during communication and on-going development. Learn more

    Why us

    We provide transparency from day 0 at each and every step of the development cycle and it sets us apart from other development agencies. You can think of us as the extended team and partner to solve complex business problems using technology. Know more

    Other Related Services From Rejolut

    Hire NFT
    Developer

    Solana Is A Webscale Blockchain That Provides Fast, Secure, Scalable Decentralized Apps And Marketplaces

    Hire Solana
    Developer

    olana is growing fast as SOL becoming the blockchain of choice for smart contract

    Hire Blockchain
    Developer

    There are several reasons why people develop blockchain projects, at least if these projects are not shitcoins

    1 Reduce Cost
    RCW™ is the number one way to reduce superficial and bloated development costs.

    We’ll work with you to develop a true ‘MVP’ (Minimum Viable Product). We will “cut the fat” and design a lean product that has only the critical features.
    2 Define Product Strategy
    Designing a successful product is a science and we help implement the same Product Design frameworks used by the most successful products in the world (Facebook, Instagram, Uber etc.)
    3 Speed
    In an industry where being first to market is critical, speed is essential. RCW™ is the fastest, most effective way to take an idea to development. RCW™ is choreographed to ensure we gather an in-depth understanding of your idea in the shortest time possible.
    4 Limit Your Risk
    Appsters RCW™ helps you identify problem areas in your concept and business model. We will identify your weaknesses so you can make an informed business decision about the best path for your product.

    Our Clients

    We as a blockchain development company take your success personally as we strongly believe in a philosophy that "Your success is our success and as you grow, we grow." We go the extra mile to deliver you the best product.

    BlockApps

    CoinDCX

    Tata Communications

    Malaysian airline

    Hedera HashGraph

    Houm

    Xeniapp

    Jazeera airline

    EarthId

    Hbar Price

    EarthTile

    MentorBox

    TaskBar

    Siki

    The Purpose Company

    Hashing Systems

    TraxSmart

    DispalyRide

    Infilect

    Verified Network

    What Our Clients Say

    Don't just take our words for it

    Rejolut is staying at the forefront of technology. From participating in (and winning) hackathons to showcasing their ability to implement almost any piece of code and contributing in open source software for anyone in the world to benefit from the increased functionality. They’ve shown they can do it all.
    Pablo Peillard
    Founder, Hashing Systems
    Enjoyed working with the Rejolut team; professional and with a sound understanding of smart contracts and blockchain; easy to work with and I highly recommend the team for future projects. Kudos!
    Zhang
    Founder, 200eth
    They have great problem-solving skills. The best part is they very well understand the business fundamentals and at the same time are apt with domain knowledge.
    Suyash Katyayani
    CTO, Purplle

    Think Big,
    Act Now,
    Scale Fast

    Location:

    Mumbai Office
    404, 4th Floor, Ellora Fiesta, Sec 11 Plot 8, Sanpada, Navi Mumbai, 400706 India
    London Office
    2-22 Wenlock Road, London N1 7GU, UK
    Virgiana Office
    2800 Laura Gae Circle Vienna, Virginia, USA 22180

    We are located at

    We have developed around 50+ blockchain projects and helped companies to raise funds.
    You can connect directly to our Smart contract developers using any of the above links.

    Talk  to Smart contract Developer