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. - This quick start uses Shasta. Use Nile separately when you need to test upcoming features or parameter changes.
- Connect to the TRON network — review the Shasta endpoint and verify network access
- Generate test accounts — complete Steps 1 and 2 of Send your first transaction to install TronWeb and generate sender and recipient accounts for the Shasta testnet.
- Get testnet tokens — fund that sender account from the Shasta faucet
- Return to Send your first transaction and use the same accounts to build, sign, and broadcast the transfer
This quick start uses test accounts generated by the script and does not read accounts from TronLink. If you prefer a browser wallet, follow Set up a wallet separately.
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 13 hours ago