Solidity is a statically typed object-oriented programming language created for the development of smart contracts on Ethereum and EVM-compatible blockchain networks.
What is Solidity Programming?
In crypto, Solidity programming is used to develop smart contracts — programs that can be executed on the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).
The Solidity language is a flexible programming language that borrows a lot of its syntax and core components from popular programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and C++.
Solidity is a contract-oriented, high-level language whose syntax is similar to that of JavaScript and it is designed to target the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).
Ethereum (2017)
Being an object-oriented language, solidity supports popular OOP paradigms such as constructors, inheritance, and even classes. However, in Solidity, the class equivalent is the smart contract, and it is important to note that there are numerous differences between the two.
The Solidity language can be used to build smart contracts on any EVM-compatible blockchain, and there are many. The most popular examples are Solana, Arbitrum, and Polygon.
Progression of Solidity Programming
Solidity was developed by Gavin Wood, Christian Reitwiessner, and other core Ethereum team members in 2014. It was intended as an easy-to-learn, expressive, and Ethereum-intuitive language that will be compatible with the EVM and make rapid development of the Ethereum application ecosystem possible.
The language borrowed many existing features from popular contemporary languages of the day, while also introducing new syntax as a result of smart contracts being its core focus.
Since its creation, numerous applications have been built using Solidity. Tokens and entire Web3 ecosystems have been launched, and many libraries have been developed to enhance the development experience. This has made possible the emergence of a brand new breed of blockchain developer – the Solidity developer.
The Function of Solidity in Smart Contracts
Solidity is the core language used in developing smart contracts (i.e., applications running on the Ethereum Virtual Machine).
A contract in the sense of Solidity is a collection of code (its functions) and data (its state) that resides at a specific address on the Ethereum blockchain.
Ethereum (2017)
Exploring Solidity’s Hybrid Coding Elements
Solidity includes numerous hybrid coding elements to boost its versatility and functionality. It blends features from different programming languages, becoming a powerful tool in the hands of smart contract developers.
Some hybrid elements include:
- Inheritance: A solidity smart contract can inherit properties from another which is essential for modular design — a programming best practices staple.
- Development libraries: Like other languages, Solidity has its own set of libraries, which provide programmers with reusable and community-tested code and allow for more rapid development.
- Interfaces: Solidity supports interfaces, which define the structure of smart contracts, making it easy for other smart contracts to interact (i.e., interface) with them.
- Modifiers: Solidity includes special keywords that control access to functions. Modifiers can be configured to regulate who can access certain features of a smart contract.
- Events: A way to record and emit data about smart contract activity to external apps.
Identifying EVM Blockchains with Solidity Compatibility
Ethereum popularity has made Solidty the center of decentralized application (dApp) development for the past 10 years. This popularity meant that, at least for a time, most other blockchains that wanted to be taken seriously needed to be developed to be EVM-compatible.
As mentioned, the three most popular EVM-compatible blockchains as of the time of writing are Solana, Polygon, and Arbitrum. There are many more EVM-compatible chains out there:
- BNB Chain
- Polygon
- Arbitrum
- Avalanche
- TRON
- Celo
- Optimism
- Cronos
- Solana
- Gnosis
- xDai Chain
- Cronos mainnet beta
- Emerald
- Klaytn
- Shardeum
- Starknet
Conclusion
Ethereum’s massive success has led to Solidity’s mass adoption and vice versa. The ease of development offered by Solidity continues to fuel the Ethereum ecosystem and its EVM-compatible competitors.
Solidity has come a long way, from a niche language used in tight developer circles on a similarly niche blockchain platform back in 2014 to one of the most popular programming languages of the 2020s.
Ethereum. (2017, September 5). Solidity Documentation (Version 0.4.17).
https://solidity-zh.readthedocs.io/_/downloads/zh/latest/pdf/
Coinweb requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial process.
