Getting started
Welcome to TRON. Run the quick start to send your first transaction, or pick a role-based reading track matched to what you are building.
TRON is a high-throughput blockchain that hosts the largest stablecoin network in crypto (TRC-20 USDT) and an active DApp ecosystem. This documentation is for developers building applications, operating infrastructure, or integrating with the ecosystem on TRON — no prior blockchain experience required. If you are coming from Ethereum, TRON vs Ethereum is a fast-track comparison covering consensus, fees, addresses, and tooling.
Two ways to start:
- In a hurry? Run the quick start below to send your first transaction on a testnet.
- Want a structured path? Skip to Pick your track — every common developer role has a curated reading list.
Quick start (about 15 minutes)
For the impatient. Skips the conceptual layer; you will have a funded testnet account and a successful transaction at the end. Come back for a track once you want to understand why things work.
Before you start, make sure you have:
- Node.js installed, preferably the current LTS version. Run
node -vto check. - Chrome or Firefox installed so you can use TronLink.
- Shasta selected for first-time learning. Use Nile when you need to test upcoming features or parameter changes.
- Connect to the TRON network — set up TronWeb or Trident and point it at Shasta testnet
- Set up a wallet — install TronLink, create a new account
- Get testnet tokens — fund the account from the Shasta or Nile faucet
- Send your first transaction — build, sign, and broadcast a TRX transfer
If you get stuck, start here:
- Network or endpoint setup fails: see Connect to the TRON network and Networks.
- The faucet is unavailable or test tokens are not enough: see Get testnet tokens.
- A transaction fails to broadcast or never lands on-chain: see Broadcast and RPC errors.
- You are not sure which page to read: see API task map or FAQ.
Pick your track
Tracks by role organizes eight routes around common development goals. Each track uses a representative exercise to connect the documentation and tasks needed at each stage. Choose the track closest to your current goal:
| If you are… | Read this track |
|---|---|
| New to blockchain and TRON | Track 0: Complete beginner |
| Integrating an exchange or custodial wallet | Track 1: Exchange and custodial wallet integration |
| Building a non-custodial wallet | Track 2: Non-custodial wallet developer |
| Building a DApp with a frontend and smart contract | Track 3: DApp developer |
| Advancing smart contract development | Track 4: Advanced smart contract developer |
| Running or preparing to become a Super Representative | Track 5: Super Representative candidate and operator |
| Providing RPC or infrastructure services | Track 6: RPC and infrastructure provider |
| Adding hardware-wallet signing to an application | Track 7: Hardware wallet signing integration |
Can't find your role? Reading entry points for Layer 2 and cross-chain systems, AI agents, DeFi protocols, token issuance, NFTs, and data scripting are collected under Other roles.
Related resources
- Recipes — copy-paste code examples for common operations
- API reference overview — the underlying TRON APIs that tracks and recipes call into
- TRON vs Ethereum — comparison for developers coming from Ethereum
- Blockchain browsers — explore the chain through TRONSCAN
- Sign and broadcast — the API workflow — the transaction lifecycle underneath every track
Updated about 6 hours ago