Do I need blockchain experience before Canton?

Helpful but not required. The path starts with network concepts, then DAML and deployment. Ethereum developers may use the “Canton for Blockchain Developers” docs in the knowledge base.

Where are the official developer docs?

Primary source: docs.canton.network. This site mirrors selected pages in English and Chinese under Docs → Canton developer docs.

What language are smart contracts written in?

DAML — a domain-specific language for multi-party agreements. Templates, choices, parties, and signatories are core concepts covered in step 4.

Learning path

A structured reading order from basics to development. Each step links to official sources where available.

Learning path summary

Step 1–2: network fundamentals and Canton Coin (CC) tokenomics.
Step 3–4: privacy model and DAML smart contract basics.
Step 5–7: token standard, building on Canton, and CIP governance.

Network fundamentalsCanton is a "network of networks" — independent applications connect through a shared synchronization layer for atomic transactions while preserving privacy. Key concepts: Participant Nodes, Sync Domains, Super Validators, and the burn-and-mint equilibrium for Canton Coin (CC).
Canton Coin (CC)CC is the native token of Canton Network. It uses a burn-and-mint equilibrium — every transaction burns CC as a fee, and the protocol mints new CC as rewards to validators, application providers, and network development. There was no pre-mine, no VC allocation, and no pre-sale: every CC in circulation was earned through network participation. The system targets ~2.5B CC minted and burned annually, creating a self-balancing supply tied to real usage rather than speculation. Circulating supply is ~35B CC. For details see the Canton Coin whitepaper (linked under Resources).
Privacy modelUnlike most public blockchains, Canton embeds privacy at the protocol level. Transaction details (amounts, counterparties, order flow) are visible only to authorized parties. The DAML compiler enforces authorization and data visibility rules.
DAML smart contractsDAML is a domain-specific language for multi-party agreements. Core building blocks: Templates (contract blueprints), Choices (authorized actions), Parties (identities with permissions), and Signatories (required approvers). Access the SDK at docs.daml.com.
Token standard (CIP-0056)Canton uses a UTXO-based token model. Holdings are active contracts implementing a Holding interface. Key operations: Instrument creation, Issue → HoldingProposal → Accept flow, MergeDelegation for UTXO consolidation. Documented in the Splice docs.
Building on CantonInstall the Daml SDK, create a project with "daml new", write templates, deploy via Ledger API (gRPC / JSON gateway). For DeFi: list on Cantex or CantonSwap. For cross-chain: LayerZero integration supports 165+ chains. For wallet UX: WalletConnect enables users to connect existing mobile, browser, and custodial wallets to supported Canton applications without bespoke connectors.
Governance & CIPsProtocol changes go through Canton Improvement Proposals (CIPs). Categories include Tokenomics, Governance (SV onboarding), Standards Track (protocol upgrades), and Process. See the CIPs page for a full summary. For async discussion, use the Canton Network Forum and discuss.daml.com (linked under Resources).

Developer docs knowledge base

Use the bilingual Canton developer knowledge base for source-linked notes, RAG chunks, and a curated path into the official docs.

Open developer docs

Learning FAQ

Do I need blockchain experience before Canton?: Helpful but not required. The path starts with network concepts, then DAML and deployment. Ethereum developers may use the “Canton for Blockchain Developers” docs in the knowledge base.
Where are the official developer docs?: Primary source: docs.canton.network. This site mirrors selected pages in English and Chinese under Docs → Canton developer docs.
What language are smart contracts written in?: DAML — a domain-specific language for multi-party agreements. Templates, choices, parties, and signatories are core concepts covered in step 4.