Solidity Tutorial Part 1: Smart Contracts, Remix IDE, Storage & Verification, and ETH Basics

Introduction to Blockchain and Smart Contracts

Blockchain technology is rapidly expanding across industries like finance and supply chain management. Smart contracts automate processes efficiently while enhancing security standards. This five-part tutorial series will guide both programmers and non-programmers through foundational smart contract development, preparing you for advanced blockchain projects.

Solidity is Ethereum's primary programming language for writing smart contracts. As a contract-oriented language, it enables code storage, transactions, and execution on the blockchain. Similar to JavaScript and Python in complexity, Solidity runs on the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and persists across network nodes.

Getting Started with Remix IDE

1. Setting Up Remix

Remix is a web-based IDE for Solidity development, offering:

• Code storage and compilation
• Smart contract testing tools
• Interactive debugging features

👉 Start coding instantly with Remix

2. Creating Your First Contract

1. Open a new file named MyContract.sol

2. Specify the Solidity version (critical for compatibility):

   pragma solidity ^0.4.24;

3. Contract Structure

Basic contract template:

contract MyContract {
    // State variables and functions
}

Key characteristics:

• Smart contracts execute publicly on Ethereum
• All code remains open-source and verifiable

Building Storage Functions

1. Declaring State Variables

string value;

This storage variable:

• Persists data permanently on-chain
• Is accessible throughout the contract
• Occupies blockchain storage (not memory)

2. Creating Read Functions

Public view function to retrieve stored data:

function get() public view returns(string memory) {
    return value;
}

3. Implementing Write Functions

Function to update stored values:

function set(string memory _value) public {
    value = _value;
}

Note: Underscore prefix denotes local variables

4. Setting Initial Values

Constructor runs once during deployment:

constructor() public {
    value = "myValue";
}

Complete Contract Code

pragma solidity ^0.4.24;

contract MyContract {
    string private value;
    
    constructor() public {
        value = "myValue";
    }
    
    function get() public view returns(string memory) {
        return value;
    }
    
    function set(string memory _value) public {
        value = _value;
    }
}

Compiling and Testing

1. Plugin Setup

1. Activate Compiler and Run plugins
2. Select Solidity version 0.4.25
3. Enable "Auto Compile"

2. Deployment Options

Use JavaScript VM for:

• Instant blockchain simulation
• No real ETH costs
• Rapid prototyping

👉 Master Ethereum development faster

Interacting with Your Contract

1. Function Testing

• Call get() to view default "myValue"
• Use set("New Value") to update storage
• Verify changes by recalling get()

2. Transaction Monitoring

• Review virtual blockchain logs
• Examine complete transaction history
• Study block formation mechanics

Next Steps

This foundation enables more advanced:

• Contract inheritance structures
• Gas optimization techniques
• Security pattern implementations

FAQ Section

Q1: Is Solidity hard to learn for beginners?

A: While challenging, Solidity shares concepts with JavaScript. Our step-by-step tutorials progressively build competency regardless of prior experience.

Q2: Why use Remix instead of local development?

A: Remix provides instant setup, built-in testing tools, and seamless deployment simulation - ideal for learning without infrastructure overhead.

Q3: How much ETH does contract deployment cost?

A: Test environments require no real ETH. Mainnet deployment costs vary based on contract complexity and current gas prices.

Q4: Can I modify contracts after deployment?

A: Smart contracts are immutable by design. Always thoroughly test in simulated environments before mainnet deployment.

Q5: What's the difference between memory and storage?

A: Memory is temporary (like RAM), while storage persists permanently on-chain. Proper usage significantly impacts gas costs.