# Trying to Create a Smart Contract on Cardano as a Developer Outside Intersect (Post-Chang2) **URL:** \ **Category:** Smart Contracts\ **Created:** [6 April 2025 08:09 UTC](https://forum.cardano.org/t/trying-to-create-a-smart-contract-on-cardano-as-a-developer-outside-intersect-post-chang2/144976 "2025-04-06T08:09:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![GrahamsNumberPlus1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/user_avatar/forum.cardano.org/grahamsnumberplus1/32/32041_2.png) [@GrahamsNumberPlus1](https://forum.cardano.org/u/GrahamsNumberPlus1)\ **Post date:** [6 April 2025 08:09 UTC](https://forum.cardano.org/t/trying-to-create-a-smart-contract-on-cardano-as-a-developer-outside-intersect-post-chang2/144976/1 "2025-04-06T08:09:17Z")
Trying to Create a Smart Contract on Cardano as a Developer Outside Intersect (Post-Chang2) Anyone with a reasonable technical background and some programming experience ever tried to create a smart contract on Cardano? Well… let me walk you through what that journey really looks like right now - and I say this as someone who _just tried_. If you’re not part of Intersect, not a core dev at IOG, and you’re coming into the ecosystem post-Chang2 with PlutusScriptV3 in mind, here’s the raw truth: * * * The Ecosystem Is Broken. Unbundled. Undocumented. Brutally Unforgiving. You’re not imagining it. It’s not you. You don’t lack skill. You’ve just walked into a minefield of: - Repos that don’t build - Tags that don’t exist - Tooling that’s changed without warning - Conflicting package versions - Missing dependencies (`cardano-crypto-class`… hello darkness, my old friend) - And docs that read like riddles from an ancient civilization * * * Here’s What You’ll Face: - The official examples don’t compile - You’ll try `plutus-starter`, then realize it’s been archived or quietly abandoned - You’ll switch to `IntersectMBO/plutus`, only to find out it’s a monorepo from hell - You’ll fight with `cabal`, because it tries to fetch everything from Hackage — but half the Plutus packages don’t even exist there - Then, you’ll try to stitch together your own project… and you’ll fall into dependency limbo * * * And When You Think You’re Close? You’ll get a `.plutus` file built (maybe), but trying to actually deploy it on mainnet? That’s another fight: - cardano-cli` requires exact formats and byte layouts - There’s no end-to-end example for Plutus V3 that actually works - You’ll spend hours just trying to send a basic ADA UTxO to a validator that always returns `()` Here’s the Real Deal The tooling is still clearly made **for the insiders** - not for the broader dev community. If you’re not running the exact same stack inside Intersect or IOG, you’re basically on your own. And it shows. * * * 🙏 To the Ecosystem Maintainers If Cardano wants real developer adoption, the bar must be lowered. That doesn’t mean sacrificing correctness or security - it means **lowering friction** : - Provide a working end-to-end example using current Plutus tooling - Ship it as a \*\*zip, a Docker container, or even a damn bash script - Stop hiding critical build infrastructure behind fragile Nix configs or internal paths - Treat new devs like contributors, not intruders * * * If You’re Still Trying: Respect If you’re still in this game after hours of broken builds and ghost dependencies: I salute you. You’re not dumb, and you’re not alone. We need better — and we need it now. ---
**Author:** ![robertino](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/user_avatar/forum.cardano.org/robertino/32/84761_2.png) [@robertino](https://forum.cardano.org/u/robertino)\ **Post date:** [11 April 2025 09:43 UTC](https://forum.cardano.org/t/trying-to-create-a-smart-contract-on-cardano-as-a-developer-outside-intersect-post-chang2/144976/2 "2025-04-11T09:43:59Z")
I feel you. However, many of the problems you’re facing are because you might not have chosen the friendliest stack. If you don’t have a preference for Haskell and CLIs, you can use [Aiken](https://aiken-lang.org/) for the on-chain and a JS library like [MeshJS](https://meshjs.dev/) for the off-chain. No Nix configs, high-level, and overall easier to use. Hope it helps. PD: Here are like 10 examples (as a string cause I can’t add more than two links per post): https://github.com/MeshJS/examples/tree/main ---
**Author:** ![wimscardano](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/user_avatar/forum.cardano.org/wimscardano/32/63250_2.png) [@wimscardano](https://forum.cardano.org/u/wimscardano)\ **Post date:** [11 April 2025 13:16 UTC](https://forum.cardano.org/t/trying-to-create-a-smart-contract-on-cardano-as-a-developer-outside-intersect-post-chang2/144976/3 "2025-04-11T13:16:29Z")
I had such frustrations in 2021 - 2022 but no more in 2024 - 2025. There are so many easy to use templates, services, libraries and demos that helps new developers get started easily and quickly. Here are examples, Helios Coxylib.js([coxygen/coxylib at main · wimsio/coxygen · GitHub](https://github.com/wimsio/coxygen/tree/main/coxylib)). This is 100% js and has no dependencies and even my new first year IT college students use this to integrate Cardano to any website e.g. [Coxygen Global - Cardano Live Technical Support](https://coxygen.co/coxygen.co/rido/DonationApp-v4-15112024/index.html) ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/uploads/cardano/original/3X/0/f/0f4b5eb705e0dcb900cf2a7739d247ea011a32ee.png) Also try this service from DQuadrant if you have haskell background [Kuber Playground](https://kuberide.com/ide/haskell) ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/uploads/cardano/original/3X/f/f/ffc35291e31687d3c3e3cf960c4e177b70a95f1a.png) Another easy onboarding is given by Gimbalabs [ppbl2024-plutus-examples/src at main · gimbalabs/ppbl2024-plutus-examples · GitHub](https://github.com/gimbalabs/ppbl2024-plutus-examples/tree/main/src) > **[Andamio - Education & collaboration platform](https://preprod.andamio.io/course)** > > Andamio empowers your organization to teach skills that connect to contribution opportunities. Mesh has already been mentioned and Aiken [https://meshjs.dev/](https://meshjs.dev/) and [https://play.aiken-lang.org/](https://play.aiken-lang.org/) How about plug and play audited affordable smart contract at Maestro [Maestro - The complete Web3 stack for UTxO chains.](https://www.gomaestro.org/dapp-platform#market-price-feeds) And you can also try demeter.run starter kits [Demeter - The turnkey solution for Cardano dApp infrastructure](https://demeter.run/products/hosting) Here is my discord handle for live walk through @wims5274 or join other students here [Telegram: View @coxygenglobal](https://t.me/coxygenglobal) ---
**Author:** ![GrahamsNumberPlus1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/user_avatar/forum.cardano.org/grahamsnumberplus1/32/32041_2.png) [@GrahamsNumberPlus1](https://forum.cardano.org/u/GrahamsNumberPlus1)\ **Post date:** [12 April 2025 00:58 UTC](https://forum.cardano.org/t/trying-to-create-a-smart-contract-on-cardano-as-a-developer-outside-intersect-post-chang2/144976/4 "2025-04-12T00:58:38Z")
Thanks - I will check it out and try to get back ---
**Author:** ![GrahamsNumberPlus1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/user_avatar/forum.cardano.org/grahamsnumberplus1/32/32041_2.png) [@GrahamsNumberPlus1](https://forum.cardano.org/u/GrahamsNumberPlus1)\ **Post date:** [12 April 2025 00:59 UTC](https://forum.cardano.org/t/trying-to-create-a-smart-contract-on-cardano-as-a-developer-outside-intersect-post-chang2/144976/5 "2025-04-12T00:59:10Z")
Thank you as well - I will try to check it out and get back ---
**Author:** ![discobot](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/user_avatar/forum.cardano.org/discobot/32/1_2.png) [@discobot](https://forum.cardano.org/u/discobot)\ **Post date:** [14 April 2025 12:22 UTC](https://forum.cardano.org/t/trying-to-create-a-smart-contract-on-cardano-as-a-developer-outside-intersect-post-chang2/144976/7 "2025-04-14T12:22:10Z")
Hi! To find out what I can do, say `@discobot display help`. ---
**Author:** ![wimscardano](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/user_avatar/forum.cardano.org/wimscardano/32/63250_2.png) [@wimscardano](https://forum.cardano.org/u/wimscardano)\ **Post date:** [24 April 2025 14:29 UTC](https://forum.cardano.org/t/trying-to-create-a-smart-contract-on-cardano-as-a-developer-outside-intersect-post-chang2/144976/9 "2025-04-24T14:29:50Z")
Inviting all developers in Cardano struggling with dev tools and frustrated. Coxygen Global runs daily smart contract coding live sessions in 3 timezones -8 to -4 GMT, +10 TO +14 GMT, +18 to +22 GMT [https://meet.google.com/xtr-vxsa-znx](https://meet.google.com/xtr-vxsa-znx) Today we produced a working English Auction Demo using simple vanilla javascript Helios Coxylib. Yes, zero framework working auction on Cardano blockchain. ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/uploads/cardano/original/3X/5/2/5232eb020795921a52b1a22fb37d799d8b7f3b88.jpeg) ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/uploads/cardano/original/3X/d/a/dacf1d10119aca86c2738ce3f6e1f48cb55db22c.jpeg) ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/uploads/cardano/original/3X/0/7/07d791eb1cbe1e8743f28af5a9f5a29c68634c2b.jpeg) ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/uploads/cardano/original/3X/8/0/8076b351ca61578e3dc88775993d5f1d803f5341.jpeg) Coxygen is a Cardano Live Technical training and supported services funded by Catalyst voters! We are also running live Haskell Plutus daily sessions under the Catalyst funded 16 universities [Coxygen Global Universities Colleges Haskell Plutus](https://coxygen.co/universities/) . If you like this then help spread the word. ---
**Author:** ![GrahamsNumberPlus1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/user_avatar/forum.cardano.org/grahamsnumberplus1/32/32041_2.png) [@GrahamsNumberPlus1](https://forum.cardano.org/u/GrahamsNumberPlus1)\ **Post date:** [24 April 2025 14:52 UTC](https://forum.cardano.org/t/trying-to-create-a-smart-contract-on-cardano-as-a-developer-outside-intersect-post-chang2/144976/10 "2025-04-24T14:52:28Z")
When you say working on Cardano - does it work on mainnet - after weeks of trying I gave up as everything (as you can see from my post) was disjointed and not aligned - just when I got something working - it wouldn’t work as it was only working on pre-prod or something - fraustration is an understatement ---
**Author:** ![sss\_sss](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/user_avatar/forum.cardano.org/sss_sss/32/84954_2.png) [@sss\_sss](https://forum.cardano.org/u/sss_sss)\ **Post date:** [25 April 2025 02:02 UTC](https://forum.cardano.org/t/trying-to-create-a-smart-contract-on-cardano-as-a-developer-outside-intersect-post-chang2/144976/11 "2025-04-25T02:02:44Z")
I am sorry for your frustration. That was my experience in 2022 when developing was using emulators and other DSL like Aiken, Helios, Lucid Evolution, Demeter.run, Mesh, Python, and services like Maestro, etc were not there. When I say it is working, I mean on mainnet but tested with same conditions on preproduction, preview. It is a MVP using mainnet conditions except that it is under test using tAda.Remember, when deploying on production the sc needs to be audited for security. I also produced a proof of concept tokenizing real estate on Cardano using plain vanilla js [Cardano Property Solutions](https://cardanopropertysolutions.co/shares-token-market.php). Mostly I am training students in colleges: The approach is simplification and easy onboarding. To all frustrated developers connect with Coxygen Global live sessions. They are for free! ---
**Author:** ![wimscardano](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/user_avatar/forum.cardano.org/wimscardano/32/63250_2.png) [@wimscardano](https://forum.cardano.org/u/wimscardano)\ **Post date:** [26 April 2025 08:15 UTC](https://forum.cardano.org/t/trying-to-create-a-smart-contract-on-cardano-as-a-developer-outside-intersect-post-chang2/144976/12 "2025-04-26T08:15:51Z")
What makes Cardano different, better and Beneficial is a) Good compiler Haskell, b) Open Source c) Peer based Team coding d) Rigorous Testing e) Auditing Code f) Reasoning (logic and maths proofs) about code. Here is a demo MSSD. ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/uploads/cardano/original/3X/e/c/ec83bb829213f640b51b6a891fc4b0a32f20b100.jpeg) > **[GitHub - wimsio/coxygen-mssd: This is a Coxygen Global Mock Sundae Swap Dex...](https://github.com/wimsio/coxygen-mssd/)** > > This is a Coxygen Global Mock Sundae Swap Dex repository for new and student developers ---
**Author:** ![wimscardano](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/user_avatar/forum.cardano.org/wimscardano/32/63250_2.png) [@wimscardano](https://forum.cardano.org/u/wimscardano)\ **Post date:** [6 May 2025 18:46 UTC](https://forum.cardano.org/t/trying-to-create-a-smart-contract-on-cardano-as-a-developer-outside-intersect-post-chang2/144976/13 "2025-05-06T18:46:59Z")
Good day developers, I have just completed a demo with details tutorials to assist those who need this: [GitHub - wimsio/plutus-nix: Haskell Plutus quick and easy development setup demo](https://github.com/wimsio/plutus-nix) ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/uploads/cardano/original/3X/d/2/d21c62291bdf6859a5ec09e84f2e47a72244dcfa.jpeg) Inviting all people to also contribute to this. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![alexeusgr](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/user_avatar/forum.cardano.org/alexeusgr/32/89925_2.png) [@alexeusgr](https://forum.cardano.org/u/alexeusgr)\ **Post date:** [7 May 2025 02:27 UTC](https://forum.cardano.org/t/trying-to-create-a-smart-contract-on-cardano-as-a-developer-outside-intersect-post-chang2/144976/15 "2025-05-07T02:27:35Z")
Amazing, this democratizes access to learning Haskell and nix on Cardano ---
**Author:** ![wimscardano](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/user_avatar/forum.cardano.org/wimscardano/32/63250_2.png) [@wimscardano](https://forum.cardano.org/u/wimscardano)\ **Post date:** [8 May 2025 06:35 UTC](https://forum.cardano.org/t/trying-to-create-a-smart-contract-on-cardano-as-a-developer-outside-intersect-post-chang2/144976/16 "2025-05-08T06:35:35Z")
Plutus/Plinth Nix setup for all developers. Here is the video and source code for Plutus/Plinth setup with flake.nix. If you need live assistance please do not hesitate to join our live sessions [https://youtu.be/l2XbYEt6Seo](https://youtu.be/l2XbYEt6Seo) ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/uploads/cardano/original/3X/9/0/9011384e22f9a99d73d9a5c787ecd1a278d6bba0.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![wimscardano](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/user_avatar/forum.cardano.org/wimscardano/32/63250_2.png) [@wimscardano](https://forum.cardano.org/u/wimscardano)\ **Post date:** [20 June 2025 08:26 UTC](https://forum.cardano.org/t/trying-to-create-a-smart-contract-on-cardano-as-a-developer-outside-intersect-post-chang2/144976/17 "2025-06-20T08:26:03Z")
![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/uploads/cardano/original/3X/1/4/14736486cbf97886b77b5562a665ee0107c26fe5.jpeg) > **[Coxygen Global Universities Colleges Haskell Plutus](https://coxygen.co/universities/enrolled-students.php)** ---
**Author:** ![Takashi\_Nakamura](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/user_avatar/forum.cardano.org/takashi_nakamura/32/86066_2.png) [@Takashi\_Nakamura](https://forum.cardano.org/u/Takashi_Nakamura)\ **Post date:** [28 July 2025 21:25 UTC](https://forum.cardano.org/t/trying-to-create-a-smart-contract-on-cardano-as-a-developer-outside-intersect-post-chang2/144976/18 "2025-07-28T21:25:59Z")
**I can do it**