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GETTING_STARTED.md

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Getting Started with Lyra

Welcome! This guide is for complete beginners. No coding experience needed.

What is Lyra?

Lyra is a free website where you can learn to build apps on blockchain (like Ethereum). You write code in your browser and see it work instantly.

What is blockchain?

Think of blockchain as a shared notebook that everyone can read, but no one can erase. When you write something in it (like "send 10 coins to Alice"), it stays there forever and everyone can verify it happened.

What is a smart contract?

A smart contract is like a vending machine on the blockchain. You put something in (like money), and it automatically does something (like giving you a token). Once you set the rules, they can't be changed.

Your First 5 Minutes

Step 1: Open Lyra

Go to lyra.works in your browser.

Step 2: Pick a tutorial

Scroll down to "Learn Web3 Development" and click on a beginner tutorial.

Step 3: Read and experiment

Each tutorial has:

  • Explanation on the left
  • Code on the right
  • Run button to see it work

Change the code and see what happens!

Common Questions

Do I need to pay for anything?

No. Lyra is 100% free. When you're learning, you use "fake" blockchain money (testnet ETH), which is also free.

Do I need to install anything?

No. Everything runs in your browser.

Do I need a "wallet"?

Not to start learning. When you're ready to deploy to a real blockchain, you'll need MetaMask (a free browser extension).

What language do I need to learn?

Solidity - it's the language for Ethereum smart contracts. It looks similar to JavaScript. Lyra teaches you step by step.

I don't know JavaScript. Can I still learn?

Yes! Some programming experience helps, but we explain concepts as we go. Start with the "Complete Beginner" tutorials.

Recommended Learning Path

Week 1: Understand the basics

  1. What is blockchain? (read a tutorial)
  2. What is Ethereum?
  3. What are smart contracts?

Week 2: Write your first code

  1. Hello World smart contract
  2. Variables and data types
  3. Functions

Week 3: Build something real

  1. Create your own token (ERC-20)
  2. Create an NFT (ERC-721)
  3. Deploy to testnet

Week 4: Level up

  1. Learn about security
  2. Understand gas fees
  3. Connect a frontend

Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut What it does
Ctrl + S Save / Compile code
Ctrl + Enter Run code
Alt + A Open accessibility settings
Escape Close any popup

Getting Help

Stuck on an error?

  1. Read the error message carefully
  2. Check if you have a typo
  3. Look at the example code in the tutorial

Still stuck?

Accessibility

We want everyone to be able to learn, regardless of disability.

  • Vision impaired? Press Alt + A for high contrast, large text, and screen reader settings
  • Prefer keyboard? Everything is navigable with Tab/Enter
  • Need a different language? Click the language selector in the navigation

Glossary

Term Simple Explanation
Blockchain A shared database that no one controls
Ethereum The most popular blockchain for apps
Smart Contract A program that runs on blockchain
Solidity The programming language for Ethereum
Wallet An app that holds your blockchain keys
MetaMask A popular wallet (browser extension)
Testnet A practice blockchain with fake money
Mainnet The real blockchain with real money
Gas The fee you pay to run code on blockchain
Deploy Put your code on the blockchain
ERC-20 A standard for creating tokens
NFT A unique digital item on blockchain

Next Steps

Ready for more? Check out:

Remember: Everyone was a beginner once. Take your time, experiment, and have fun! 🚀