Getting Started with Ergo#
Use this page as a short map. It explains what Ergo is, what to do first, and where each docs section begins.
What Ergo Is#
Ergo is a programmable money platform. It combines:
- Proof of Work for open, miner-secured consensus.
- eUTXO for predictable, parallel-friendly transaction design.
- ErgoScript for smart contracts.
- Sigma protocols for efficient cryptographic proofs and privacy patterns.
- Storage rent so old unused state can keep paying for network resources.
Read next:
First Steps#
- Read Why Ergo for the short explanation.
- Choose a wallet in Get a Wallet.
- Learn basic safety from the Cold Wallet Guide and Access Issues.
- Explore the ecosystem from Using Ergo.
- If you want technical depth, move to Learn, Develop, or Deploy.
If You Are...#
| You are... | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| New to Ergo | Why Ergo | Plain-language goals and design choices. |
| Holding ERG | Get a Wallet | Wallet choices, setup, safety, and troubleshooting. |
| Trying apps | Using Ergo | DEXs, NFTs, bridges, stablecoins, and tutorials. |
| Learning protocol basics | Learn | eUTXO, Sigma protocols, mining, storage rent, scaling. |
| Building software | Develop | Developer pathways, SDKs, APIs, contracts. |
| Running infrastructure | Operate Infrastructure | Nodes, hardening, monitoring, indexers, Rosen, oracles. |
| Mining | Securing the Network | Mining setup, pools, solo mining, pool ops. |
| Contributing | Community | Community channels, docs, bounties, grants. |
Main Docs Areas#
- Start Here: orientation, first decisions, FAQ, glossary.
- Use: user tasks and ecosystem apps.
- Ecosystem Map: apps, finance, bridges, NFTs, and builder areas.
- Learn: concepts, protocol design, research, roadmap.
- Participate: community, governance, grants, docs, events.
- Develop: ErgoScript, SDKs, APIs, contracts, tutorials.
- Deploy: node and service operations.
- Mine: mining and pool operations.
Common Tasks#
| Task | Start here |
|---|---|
| Pick a wallet | Get a Wallet |
| Fix wallet access | Access Issues |
| Swap tokens | DEX Overview |
| Use Rosen Bridge | Rosen Bridge |
| Use SigmaUSD | SigmaUSD |
| Mint an NFT | Mint an NFT |
| Run a node | Node Install |
| Use the node API | Swagger Overview |
| Build a dApp | Developer Overview |
| Write smart contracts | ErgoScript |
| Mine ERG | Mining Overview |
| Learn safety basics | Security Basics |
| Ask for help | Community |
| Contribute | Participate |