The Open Network (TON) is redefining the future of decentralized systems by functioning as a distributed supercomputer—often referred to as a "superserver"—designed to host scalable, high-performance blockchain applications. With its growing ecosystem and developer-friendly tools, TON has become a go-to platform for building next-generation decentralized apps (dApps). Whether you're new to blockchain or an experienced developer exploring new ecosystems, understanding how to develop on TON opens doors to innovative opportunities in DeFi, social, NFTs, and more.
This guide walks you through the essential steps of entering the TON ecosystem, mastering its core smart contract languages—FunC and Tact—and building your first wallet application from scratch.
Understanding TON: The Evolution of a Decentralized Super Network
Launched initially by Telegram in 2018 as a Layer-1 blockchain solution, TON was envisioned as a highly scalable, tightly integrated multi-blockchain system capable of infinite sharding and custom workchains. After legal challenges led to its restructuring in 2020, the network was revitalized under the TON Foundation, rebranded as The Open Network, and transformed into an open, community-driven ecosystem.
Today, TON stands out for its heterogeneous multi-chain architecture, enabling seamless interoperability across various blockchain environments while maintaining high throughput and low latency. This flexibility makes it ideal for developers aiming to build efficient, user-centric dApps.
One of TON’s most compelling advantages lies in its dual-language approach to smart contract development:
- FunC: A low-level, stack-based programming language ideal for developers who want fine-grained control over contract logic and performance optimization.
- Tact: A modern, high-level language designed with simplicity and safety in mind. Its syntax resembles popular languages like Python and Solidity, significantly lowering the entry barrier for newcomers.
According to official data, the TON ecosystem now hosts over 551 active projects, spanning wallets, gaming platforms, NFT marketplaces, staking protocols, cross-chain bridges, and social dApps. This rapid growth is fueled by accessible development tools and strong community support—making it easier than ever to innovate on the network.
👉 Discover powerful tools to accelerate your TON development journey.
Step-by-Step: Building Your First Wallet on TON
Creating a wallet is one of the most practical entry points into blockchain development. A wallet not only serves as a gateway for users to interact with dApps but also demonstrates core concepts like key management, transaction signing, and contract deployment.
In this section, we’ll walk through the process of building a basic mnemonic-based local wallet using FunC and leveraging TON’s developer SDKs.
1. Setting Up the Development Environment with TWA
To begin, you need to interface with Telegram Web Apps (TWA)—a lightweight framework that allows mini-apps to run directly within Telegram. TWAs are crucial for integrating your wallet with Telegram’s vast user base and native blockchain features.
Start by:
- Cloning the official Tap Script SDK repository
- Configuring your project environment using Node.js and Webpack
- Setting up a local development server to test UI interactions
Once your environment is ready, you can proceed to implement wallet creation logic.
2. Writing Your First Smart Contract in FunC
FunC gives developers direct access to TON’s virtual machine (TVM), allowing precise control over gas usage and execution flow. Here's a simplified outline of what your wallet contract might include:
() recv_internal(int msg_value, cell in_msg_full, slice in_msg_body) {
slice sender = in_msg_full.begin_parse();
if (in_msg_body.slice_empty?()) { return; }
int op = in_msg_body~load_uint(32);
if (op == 0x12345678) {
// Handle deposit
} else {
// Revert transaction
throw(0);
}
}This example shows a basic message handler that checks incoming operations and reacts accordingly. While writing raw FunC requires familiarity with stack-based logic, it offers unparalleled efficiency for critical components like wallet security and fund handling.
For faster prototyping, consider using Tact instead—especially during early development stages. You can always optimize performance-critical modules later with FunC.
3. Generating Keys and Managing Mnemonics
During wallet initialization, your app must generate a secure private key and derive a corresponding public address. TON supports BIP39-compliant mnemonic phrases for human-readable backup.
Using the ton-crypto library:
const { mnemonicToWalletKey } = require("ton-crypto");
const mnemonic = "your twelve-word phrase here".split(" ");
const keyPair = await mnemonicToWalletKey(mnemonic);Your app should securely store the mnemonic (never expose it client-side) and use it to sign transactions locally. Upon deployment, the system automatically generates a private key, ensuring full user ownership and data privacy.
4. Deploying to Testnet and Handling RPC Calls
Before going live:
- Switch to the TON Testnet
- Use
toncenterorgetgemsAPI endpoints for RPC communication - Fund your test account via a faucet
- Deploy your contract using CLI tools or SDK scripts
Monitor deployment status through explorers like tonscan.org or tonviewer.com, though these links have been removed per guidelines.
Ensure proper error handling for network timeouts, invalid signatures, or insufficient balance scenarios.
Real-World Applications in the TON Ecosystem
Beyond wallets, TON supports diverse use cases powered by smart contracts:
- DeFi platforms enabling decentralized exchanges and yield farming
- SocialFi dApps integrating identity, reputation, and content monetization
- NFT marketplaces with instant transaction finality
- Gaming ecosystems leveraging Telegram mini-apps for frictionless onboarding
These applications benefit from key technical features such as:
- Asynchronous message passing between contracts
- Internal/external message routing for secure inter-contract communication
- Built-in gas abstraction, allowing users to pay fees in tokens other than TON via relayers
As Howard from the TON Foundation emphasized during a recent developer meetup, real innovation happens when developers experiment beyond tutorials—by combining these features creatively to solve real user problems.
👉 Start building impactful dApps with cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the main differences between FunC and Tact?
FunC is a low-level, assembly-like language offering maximum control and efficiency but requiring deeper technical expertise. Tact is higher-level, safer, and easier to learn—ideal for rapid prototyping and beginner-friendly development.
Can I build a wallet without knowing FunC?
Yes. You can use Tact or pre-built SDKs to create functional wallets without writing low-level code. However, understanding FunC helps when debugging or optimizing advanced functionality.
Is TON compatible with Ethereum tools?
Not natively. TON uses its own Virtual Machine (TVM) and transaction model. However, some tools like Hardhat plugins and MetaMask integrations are being developed by the community.
How do I secure user mnemonics in my app?
Never store mnemonics on servers. Always encrypt them locally if persisted in storage, and encourage users to back them up offline. Consider hardware wallet integration for added security.
Where can I find documentation and sample code?
The official TON Developer Docs provide comprehensive guides, API references, and GitHub repositories with working examples across both FunC and Tact.
How can I get support as a new TON developer?
Join active community forums like TON Discord, GitHub discussions, or regional developer meetups. Events like TinTinMeeting offer live coding sessions and expert Q&A opportunities.
The Future of TON: Global Expansion and Developer Empowerment
Looking ahead, the TON Foundation is expanding beyond Asia—with growing partnerships in South Korea and planned developer gatherings across Europe. These efforts aim to foster local innovation hubs and drive adoption in sectors like finance, entertainment, and digital identity.
Moreover, ongoing improvements in developer tooling—such as enhanced IDEs, better debugging tools, and modular SDKs—are making it easier than ever to launch production-ready dApps on TON.
Whether you're interested in building decentralized social networks, asset tokenization platforms, or scalable gaming infrastructures, the TON blockchain provides the foundation you need.
By mastering FunC, embracing Tact, and leveraging powerful APIs like those exposed through TWAs, you’re not just learning a new stack—you're joining a movement toward truly open, user-owned digital experiences.