smartpy

SmartPy is a high-level programming language and development framework for writing smart contracts on the Tezos blockchain. It offers a Python-like syntax and a rich standard library, enabling developers to write, test, and deploy Tezos contracts with greater readability and safety than low-level Michelson code.

At its core SmartPy provides a Python-based domain-specific language accessed through the smartpy module. Contracts are defined as classes with an initialization method for storage and entry points annotated with a decorator. The library exposes common Tezos operations, such as transfers, data storage, and balance checks, through a unified API. The compiler translates SmartPy code into Michelson, Tezos’ low-level language.

SmartPy includes an integrated testing and simulation environment. Developers can write unit tests and scenario-based tests directly in Python, run them in an in-browser IDE or locally, and inspect contract behavior before deployment. This supports safer contract development and easier debugging.

Development workflow typically involves writing the contract in SmartPy, running tests, compiling to Michelson, and deploying using standard Tezos tooling. SmartPy contracts can interoperate with Tezos wallets and deployment pipelines, and can be integrated into larger DApps and token projects within the Tezos ecosystem.

SmartPy is widely used in the Tezos community for education, token contracts, governance, crowdfunding, and DeFi experiments. It is maintained by the SmartPy team with community contributions, and supported by documentation, tutorials, and example contracts.