MeshResourcesSolutions
For Beginners
Build Cardano dApps without blockchain expertise using Mesh SDK's beginner-friendly APIs.
Mesh SDK is designed for JavaScript developers new to Cardano. No blockchain expertise required. Use familiar patterns to build dApps in minutes.
Quick start
1. Install Mesh
npm install @meshsdk/core @meshsdk/react2. Add wallet connection
import { MeshProvider, CardanoWallet } from "@meshsdk/react";
function App() {
return (
<MeshProvider>
<CardanoWallet />
</MeshProvider>
);
}3. Send your first transaction
import { useWallet } from "@meshsdk/react";
import { MeshTxBuilder } from "@meshsdk/core";
function SendADA() {
const { wallet, connected } = useWallet();
const sendADA = async () => {
const utxos = await wallet.getUtxos();
const changeAddress = await wallet.getChangeAddress();
const txBuilder = new MeshTxBuilder();
const unsignedTx = await txBuilder
.txOut("addr_test1...", [{ unit: "lovelace", quantity: "5000000" }])
.changeAddress(changeAddress)
.selectUtxosFrom(utxos)
.complete();
const signedTx = await wallet.signTx(unsignedTx);
const txHash = await wallet.submitTx(signedTx);
console.log("Transaction:", txHash);
};
return (
<button onClick={sendADA} disabled={!connected}>
Send 5 ADA
</button>
);
}What makes Mesh beginner-friendly
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Familiar patterns | JavaScript classes, async/await, React hooks |
| Automatic complexity | Fee calculation, UTXO selection handled automatically |
| Clear errors | Helpful messages explain what went wrong |
| Minimal setup | No blockchain node, just npm install |
| Full documentation | Guides and examples for every skill level |
Common tasks
Connect a wallet
import { CardanoWallet, useWallet } from "@meshsdk/react";
<CardanoWallet />
// Or use the hook
const { connected, wallet, connect, disconnect } = useWallet();Build a transaction
const txBuilder = new MeshTxBuilder();
const unsignedTx = await txBuilder
.txOut("addr...", [{ unit: "lovelace", quantity: "10000000" }])
.changeAddress(changeAddress)
.selectUtxosFrom(utxos)
.complete();Read blockchain data
import { BlockfrostProvider } from "@meshsdk/core";
const provider = new BlockfrostProvider("your-api-key");
const utxos = await provider.fetchAddressUTxOs("addr...");Recommended learning path
Step 1: Wallet integration
import { MeshProvider, CardanoWallet, useWallet } from "@meshsdk/react";
function App() {
return (
<MeshProvider>
<Header />
</MeshProvider>
);
}
function Header() {
const { connected, wallet } = useWallet();
return (
<header>
<CardanoWallet />
{connected && <WalletInfo wallet={wallet} />}
</header>
);
}Learn: React context, wallet state, connection handling.
Step 2: Simple transactions
async function sendPayment(wallet, recipient, amount) {
const utxos = await wallet.getUtxos();
const changeAddress = await wallet.getChangeAddress();
const txBuilder = new MeshTxBuilder();
const unsigned = await txBuilder
.txOut(recipient, [{ unit: "lovelace", quantity: amount }])
.changeAddress(changeAddress)
.selectUtxosFrom(utxos)
.complete();
const signed = await wallet.signTx(unsigned);
return await wallet.submitTx(signed);
}Learn: Transaction building, signing, submission.
Step 3: Token operations
// Send existing tokens
txBuilder.txOut(recipient, [
{ unit: "policyId" + "tokenNameHex", quantity: "10" }
]);
// Mint new tokens
txBuilder
.mint("1000", policyId, tokenNameHex)
.mintingScript(forgingScript);Learn: Asset structure, minting, multi-asset transactions.
Step 4: Smart contracts
import { mConStr0 } from "@meshsdk/core";
// Lock funds at script
txBuilder
.txOut(scriptAddress, [{ unit: "lovelace", quantity: "50000000" }])
.txOutInlineDatumValue(mConStr0([]));
// Unlock funds
txBuilder
.spendingPlutusScriptV2()
.txIn(utxo.input.txHash, utxo.input.outputIndex)
.txInInlineDatumPresent()
.txInRedeemerValue(mConStr0([]))
.txInScript(scriptCbor);Learn: Datums, redeemers, script addresses.
First projects
NFT gallery
import { useAssets } from "@meshsdk/react";
function NFTGallery() {
const assets = useAssets();
const nfts = assets?.filter(a => a.quantity === "1" && a.unit !== "lovelace");
return (
<div className="gallery">
{nfts?.map(nft => (
<NFTCard key={nft.unit} asset={nft} />
))}
</div>
);
}Payment button
function PaymentButton({ amount, recipient }) {
const { wallet, connected } = useWallet();
const pay = async () => {
const utxos = await wallet.getUtxos();
const changeAddress = await wallet.getChangeAddress();
const txBuilder = new MeshTxBuilder();
const unsigned = await txBuilder
.txOut(recipient, [{ unit: "lovelace", quantity: amount }])
.changeAddress(changeAddress)
.selectUtxosFrom(utxos)
.complete();
const signed = await wallet.signTx(unsigned);
await wallet.submitTx(signed);
};
return (
<button onClick={pay} disabled={!connected}>
Pay {Number(amount) / 1_000_000} ADA
</button>
);
}Testing
Use preprod testnet
- Get test ADA from the Cardano Testnet Faucet
- Switch your wallet to preprod network
- Test all functionality risk-free
- Move to mainnet when confident
Local development
No blockchain node required. Mesh connects to public infrastructure.
npm run devWhy beginners choose Mesh
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| Skip the deep dive | Build first, learn concepts as needed |
| Use familiar JavaScript | No new programming language |
| Working examples | Copy, paste, modify |
| Clear error messages | "Insufficient funds" not cryptographic dump |
| Community support | Active Discord, no question too basic |
Related resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Wallet integration | /resources/solutions/wallet-integration |
| React components | /resources/solutions/react-components |
| Transaction builder | /resources/solutions/transaction-builder |
| Learning curve challenge | /resources/challenges/learning-curve |
| Getting started guide | /guides |