15 Popular Blockchain Development Tools to Explore

Key takeaways

Blockchain developers use an array of tools to work with secure decentralized ledgers.

• Blockchain development tools encompass a variety of specialized software, scripts, and frameworks.

• They help developers build secure, scalable decentralized applications while managing everything from code creation to real-world data integration and production monitoring.

• Health care and financial services industries utilize these tools to enhance privacy, manage patient information, and provide regulatory oversight on secure platforms.

Learn more about the different blockchain development tools available to explore. Afterward, build your blockchain knowledge with AI Certs' From Blocks to Build: Blockchain Dev Essentials Specialization.

What are blockchain development tools?

Blockchain development tools make it possible to create, implement, and test blockchain technology, which allows for transparent information sharing within a network using a database mechanism. Blockchains track both tangible and intangible assets by recording ownership and the movement of each asset through the collection of personal data and transaction details.

There are different apps and frameworks available to address every stage of the blockchain lifecycle. These include:

• Programming languages for writing smart contracts.

• Development frameworks and local testing environments that streamline building, debugging, and deployment.

• Node and infrastructure providers that connect applications to live networks.

• Front-end libraries and wallets that enable user interaction.

• Specialized solutions such as oracles, security libraries, indexing protocols, and decentralized storage systems.

The global market for blockchain technology is expected to grow by an astounding 90.1 percent between 2025 and 2030 [1]. That makes the need for efficient and effective blockchain development tools all the more important. Together, the tools outlined above, help developers build secure, scalable decentralized applications while managing everything from code creation to real-world data integration and production monitoring.

Learn more: Blockchain Certification: Which to Choose?

15 popular blockchain development tools

The right blockchain development tools help you increase efficiency, provide better security, and support team collaboration. Some popular tools to consider include:

1. Solidity

Solidity is a high-level, object-oriented programming language designed for the Ethereum platform. It’s based on Python, JavaScript, and C++. Solidity is vital for developers hoping to build decentralized applications (dApps). It is a Turing-complete language that can represent and deploy any algorithm.

Solidity offers key features such as support for inheritance, contract-oriented design, logging and events, and interfaces and libraries, which are particularly helpful for use cases like crowdfunding, voting, and blind auctions.

2. Geth

Geth stands for go-ethereum and acts as a gateway into the decentralized web. It was one of the original Ethereum tools. Geth contains an Ethereum Virtual Machine and is an execution client, which means it can handle transactions and implement smart contracts. This is vital for functionality, as Geth synchronizes all contracts and transactions with the rest of the network. Geth uses the Go language, allowing you to write concurrent and fast programs.

3. MetaMask

MetaMask is a free mobile and web crypto wallet that allows you to store and trade cryptocurrencies. It is a self-managed, noncustodial digital wallet that helps you manage data permissions and store items, such as NFTs. MetaMask also provides access to a wide range of dApps, making it easy for you to send, spend, or stake crypto across the entire Ethereum ecosystem. You can connect MetaMask’s wallet to the dApp portion of whatever website you’re linking to.

4. BaaS

Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) is a cloud-based blockchain management service that a third party provides. BaaS functions similarly to a web host: It runs the backend operations for a blockchain platform. The BaaS provider provides the necessary infrastructure to enable you to create digital services and applications, such as accounts, online payments, or market trading. This makes the deployment of these products more efficient and easier to adopt.

5. Truffle

Truffle is a development framework that helps you to quickly and easily create scalable blockchain applications. Truffle simplifies the development process by providing end-to-end development, allowing for easy testing, debugging, building, and deployment. It supports smart contracts, external data source connections, and workflow optimization.

6. Hardhat

Hardhat is often seen as a modern alternative to Truffle. It provides a flexible, extensible framework for compiling, testing, debugging, and deploying smart contracts. Hardhat includes a built-in local Ethereum network designed specifically for development, advanced stack traces for debugging, and plugin support for tools like Ethers.js and Waffle. Its task runner and scripting capabilities make it especially useful for complex workflows and CI/CD pipelines.

7. Chainlink

Chainlink is a decentralized oracle network. It connects off-chain data to a blockchain. These networks are reliable, available, and accurate. Chainlink uses a specific type of token, called LINK, to serve as the currency employed by operators responsible for collecting and preparing off-chain data. Chainlink offers universal interoperability, securely connecting any private or public blockchain to existing systems, such as the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem..

8. Ganache

Ganache is a personal Ethereum blockchain that allows you to inspect state, run tests, and execute commands. You can use Ganache to test blockchain applications for any issues before deploying them for use. It features a built-in block explorer that provides insight into how each block works and interacts with others. It is particularly helpful in debugging smart contracts.

9. Embark

Embark is a framework for developing and deploying dApps. It monitors for changes and automatically applies them before letting the dApp go live, such as when a programmer adds a patch or update. It helps you manage different chains and the various complex systems created by interdependent contracts.

10. Foundry

Foundry is a fast, Rust-based Ethereum development toolkit focused on speed and developer experience. It includes tools for testing (Forge), interacting with contracts (Cast), and running a local node (Anvil).

Foundry is particularly popular among advanced developers due to its high-performance testing environment and Solidity-native testing approach. It also supports fuzz testing and property-based testing out of the box.

11. Alchemy

Alchemy is a blockchain development platform that provides APIs, node infrastructure, monitoring, and debugging tools. It helps developers scale applications without managing their own nodes. It also offers enhanced APIs for NFTs, analytics, and transaction simulation.

12. OpenZeppelin

OpenZeppelin provides a library of secure, reusable smart contracts for Ethereum and other EVM-compatible chains. It includes implementations for standards such as ERC-20, ERC-721 (NFTs), and access control patterns. It also offers security tools and upgradeable contract frameworks.

13. Ethers.js

Ethers.js is a lightweight JavaScript library used to interact with the Ethereum blockchain. It enables developers to connect to nodes, manage wallets, send transactions, and interact with smart contracts. It’s frequently used in front-end development for dApps and is often paired with Hardhat.

14. The Graph

The Graph is a decentralized indexing protocol that allows developers to query blockchain data efficiently using GraphQL. Instead of manually parsing on-chain data, developers can create subgraphs to index specific smart contract events and states.

15. Tenderly

Tenderly is a smart contract monitoring and debugging platform. It provides real-time monitoring, transaction simulation, and debugging tools.

AI isn’t replacing blockchain developers. Instead, it’s helping reduce repetitive tasks, enhance security reviews, improve debugging, and accelerate development cycles. As AI tooling becomes more embedded in IDEs, auditing platforms, and infrastructure providers, blockchain development is likely to become faster, safer, and more accessible.

How to choose the right blockchain tools

Choosing the right blockchain tools is essential to building a secure, scalable, and efficient development stack. The best tools align with your project’s goals, technical requirements, and long-term growth plans. Start by evaluating compatibility: Does the tool support your target blockchain network, programming language, and existing infrastructure? Next, consider scalability: Can it handle increased transaction volume, user growth, or multi-chain expansion as your application evolves?

Security should also be a top priority. Look for tools with a strong track record, regular updates, and active maintenance. Assess the quality of documentation, community support, and ecosystem maturity, as these factors can significantly reduce development time and troubleshooting challenges. Finally, consider integration capabilities, performance, cost structure, and whether the tool is widely adopted in production environments. Selecting tools that are well-supported and industry-tested can help future-proof your blockchain projects while minimizing risk.

Learn more about blockchain on Coursera

Keep your finger on the pulse with our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat. Or check out the following free blockchain development resources:

• Take a skill assessment: C++ Programming Skill Assessment

• Watch on YouTube: Real-World Business Problems Solved by Blockchain

• Follow the career path: Cybersecurity Career Paths: Explore Roles & Specializations

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