Introduction
Privacy is a top concern in the growing field of blockchain technology. Leo is a high-level programming language designed specifically for Aleo’s blockchain. It is engineered to optimize privacy and empower developers to create applications using zk-SNARK technology. This guide will help you set up Leo on your device, so you can start developing on the privacy-focused blockchain.
Setting the Stage for Leo: Initial Steps
Git Installation
To begin mastering Leo, install Git, a version control system necessary for collaborative development. Git can be downloaded from its official website.
To ensure compatibility, choose the appropriate version of Git for your operating system. For Windows users, the 64-bit Git for Windows Setup is a popular option, but make sure to check your system’s specifications.
Once downloaded, run the Git-2.42.0.2–64-bit.exe file to begin the installation process and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
Rust Language
To use Leo’s programming language, you must first install Rust. Rust can be downloaded from:
Select the version that matches your operating system. For Windows, there is also an option for installation via the Linux subsystem, catering to diverse development environments. Run the rustup-init.exe file and follow the displayed instructions to complete Rust’s installation.
Verification
To confirm that Git and Rust have been installed successfully, open the command prompt (press Win+R, type cmd, and press OK) and enter the following commands:
git --version
rustc --versionChoosing Your Development Environment
Selecting an IDE
After establishing the foundational tools, the next step is to select an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for creating Leo programs. It is recommended to choose from the following options:
- Visual Studio Code
- Sublime Text
- IntelliJ IDEA
This guide focuses on Visual Studio Code (VSC) due to its user-friendly interface and extensive support. Download VSC from:
Select the version that is compatible with your operating system and proceed with the installation. After opening VSC, go to the extensions section and search for ‘Leo’. Install the Leo extension along with the recommended color theme to improve syntax highlighting and facilitate a smoother coding experience.
Leo Library Installation
Deploying Leo from GitHub
To set up your development environment, you need to install the Leo library from GitHub. This can be done easily using the command prompt and following the specific commands provided on Aleo’s official developer site.
git clone https://github.com/AleoHQ/Leo
cd leo
cargo install --path .To clone the workshop folder from GitHub, enter the following command:
git clone https://github.com/AleoHQ/workshopCloning and Launching Your First Leo Project
Accessing Workshop Materials
Clone the workshop repository from GitHub using the command provided in the official documentation. Then, in VSC, navigate to “Open Folder” and select the token folder located at C:\Users\(YourWindowsUsername)\workshop.
Embarking on Your Leo Development Journey
Congratulations! You are now ready to start developing privacy-centric applications using Leo. This guide has provided the necessary steps to set up your development environment, from installing foundational tools to choosing the right IDE and accessing Leo’s extensive library.
Conclusion
Leo empowers developers to create applications that respect user privacy and utilize blockchain technology to its fullest potential. Remember that the privacy-centric blockchain development community is here to support you as you explore the world of Leo and Aleo.
- Website — aleo.org
- Discord — discord.gg/aleo
- Twitter — twitter.com/AleoHQ
- GitHub — github.com/AleoHQ
