> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](/llms.txt).

This guide provides clear instructions for developers on the supported Solidity versions and the necessary configurations needed to ensure your smart contracts are deployed on the Rootstock network.

:::tip Hackathons & Workshops

- Participating in a Rootstock Hackathon or Workshop?

- Visit the [Hackathon Resources](/resources/hackathon/)  section for details.

- **Resources:**
  - Explore the [Developer Tools](/dev-tools/) section for a full list of tools and resources.
    :::

### Software Requirements:

Set up the necessary software for a easy development on Rootstock:

- **Solidity Version:**
  - Supported compiler version: **`solc 0.8.34`** (see [EVM Compatibility Explorer](https://rskj-evm-compatibility.rsk.co/) for the full Solidity × RSKj matrix).
  - Recommended EVM target: **`cancun`** for current Rootstock nodes.
  - Use compatible versions to avoid deployment errors.

- **EVM Compatibility:**
  - The [EVM Compatibility Explorer](https://rskj-evm-compatibility.rsk.co/) is the source of truth for opcode support, precompiles, and behavioral differences vs Ethereum.
  - Before porting Ethereum contracts, check `block.difficulty`, `block.basefee`, and blob-related features in the matrix.

- **Node RPC Access:**
  - Interact with Rootstock using its RPC API.
  - [Get an API Key](/developers/rpc-api/rootstock/setup/) and configure it in your applications.

- **Hardhat:**
  - Install Hardhat to streamline contract development and testing:

    ```bash
    npm install --save-dev hardhat
    ```

    :::tip Recommended

    For added convenience, install shorthand globally

    - Install `hh` autocomplete to use `hh` shorthand globally.

    ```bash
    npm i -g hardhat-shorthand
    ```

    - Use the [Hardhat Starter Kit](/developers/quickstart/hardhat)

    - Learn how to write, interact, deploy, and test smart contracts on Rootstock using [Hardhat](/developers/smart-contracts/hardhat) or [Foundry](/developers/smart-contracts/foundry/).

    :::

- **Foundry (Optional):**
  - Install Foundry as an alternative to Hardhat for building, deploying, and testing contracts:
    ```bash
    curl -L https://foundry.paradigm.xyz | bash
    ```
  - Run `foundryup` to install tools like `forge`, `cast`, `chisel` and `anvil`.

### Wallet Configuration:

Set up your wallet to connect with Rootstock networks:

- **MetaMask Integration:**
  - Configure MetaMask with the necessary values to connect to the Rootstock Mainnet or Testnet.
  - Refer to the [MetaMask Wallet Configuration](/dev-tools/wallets/metamask/) guide for detailed steps.

- **Derivation Paths:**
  - Use these paths for BIP-44-compatible wallets:
    - **Mainnet:** `m/44'/137'/0'/0/N`
    - **Testnet:** `m/44'/37310'/0'/0/N`

*See the [Account-Based Addresses](/concepts/account-based-addresses/) section for guidance on address verification.*

:::info Info

See [Account based addresses](/concepts/account-based-addresses/) section for more information or [how to verify address ownership](/developers/smart-contracts/verify-address-ownership/).

:::

### Faucets

Get test tokens on Rootstock:

- [Rootstock Faucet](https://faucet.rootstock.io/): Get free test rBTC tokens for development and testing.
- [RIF Testnet Faucet](https://faucet.rifos.org/): Obtain free RIF testnet tokens to explore the RIF ecosystem.
- [Thirdweb Faucet](https://thirdweb.com/rootstock-testnet): Get free test rBTC tokens for development and testing.
- [Blast Faucet](https://blastapi.io/faucets/rootstock-testnet): Get free test rBTC tokens for development and testing.

### Contract Addresses

Understand and reference key contract addresses for development:

- Access the full list of **[Rootstock Contract Addresses](/developers/smart-contracts/contract-addresses/)**.

### Development Environments:

Choose one of the following environments to build and deploy your contracts:

- **Hardhat:**
  - A popular framework for managing smart contract development and testing.
  - Use the [Hardhat Starter Kit](/developers/quickstart/hardhat) to jumpstart your project.

- **Foundry:**
  - A lightweight, fast alternative to Hardhat.
  - Install and manage using `foundryup`.

:::note Development Environments

Learn how to write, interact, deploy, and test smart contracts on Rootstock using [Hardhat](/developers/smart-contracts/hardhat) or [Foundry](/developers/smart-contracts/foundry/).

💡 *You don’t need to use both  (Hardhat and Foundry); pick the one that suits your workflow.*

:::

### Command Line Tools

Boost productivity with these CLI tools:

> POSIX Compliant Shell

**Windows:**

Standard terminals like `cmd` or PowerShell may not support some commands. We recommended installing [Git for Windows](https://gitforwindows.org/) for Git Bash, which provides a more UNIX-like experience.

Here's a [tutorial on Git Bash](https://www.atlassian.com/git/tutorials/git-bash).

**MacOS:**

Standard terminal.

**Linux:**

Standard terminal.

### Installing Node.js and NPM

**NVM:**

- Node v18 or later.
  - For installation, use [NVM install script](https://github.com/nvm-sh/nvm#install--update-script).

**Windows:**

1. Download the Node.js Installer from [Node.js Downloads](https://nodejs.org/en/download).
2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and check versions with `node -v` and `npm -v`.
   - See Posix Compliant Shell.

**MacOS:**

1. Install Homebrew (if not installed):
   ```bash
   /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)
   ```
2. Install Node.js and npm with `brew install node`
3. Check versions in Terminal with `node -v` and `npm -v`

**Linux:**

1. Open a terminal.
2. Update package manager with sudo apt update
3. Install Node.js and npm with sudo apt install nodejs npm
4. Check versions in the terminal with `node -v` and `npm -v`