On Tezos you can build a dApp two ways: native smart contracts on the layer 1, written in a high-level language that compiles to Michelson, or Solidity contracts on Etherlink, Tezos's EVM-compatible layer 2. The native path offers formal-verification-friendly contracts and a strong NFT and art community; Etherlink offers Ethereum tooling with Tezos underneath. This guide covers both and how to choose.
What distinguishes Tezos
Tezos uses liquid proof of stake, where holders delegate or stake with "bakers" without giving up custody. Its defining feature is on-chain governance: protocol upgrades are proposed, voted on and activated without hard forks, and the network has upgraded many times this way, steadily reducing block times and adding features such as smart rollups. For dApp builders that means the platform evolves regularly, so pin your tooling to the current protocol and follow the upgrade schedule.
Native contracts: Michelson and the languages above it
Tezos contracts execute Michelson, a strongly typed, stack-based language designed so that contracts can be analyzed and formally verified. Few people write raw Michelson; instead:
| Language | Style | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| SmartPy | Python syntax with built-in testing and simulation | Teams comfortable with Python; fast prototyping |
| LIGO (JsLIGO, CameLIGO) | TypeScript-like or OCaml-like syntax | Web developers (JsLIGO) or functional programmers (CameLIGO) |
| Archetype | Domain-specific language with verification features | Contracts where formal properties matter |
Tezos contracts have a different execution model from Ethereum. A contract call returns a list of operations that run after the current contract finishes, rather than calling other contracts mid-execution. This eliminates classic reentrancy in its Ethereum form, but introduces its own ordering pitfalls you must reason about. On-chain views allow synchronous read-only queries between contracts. Storage is typed, and big maps hold large collections cheaply.
Tokens on Tezos
The main token standard is FA2 (TZIP-12), a single interface for fungible, non-fungible and multi-asset tokens, roughly comparable to ERC-1155. The older FA1.2 (TZIP-7) covers fungible tokens only. Metadata follows TZIP-16 and TZIP-21. Tezos NFT platforms helped build a durable generative and digital-art community, which remains one of its most distinctive ecosystems; see NFT token development for general NFT design.
The front end: Taquito and Beacon
Taquito is the TypeScript library for reading Tezos state, estimating fees and calling contracts. Wallet connections go through the Beacon SDK, which provides a standard pairing flow for wallets such as Temple, Kukai and Umami, browser extensions and mobile apps alike. For history and analytics, most dApps query an indexer such as TzKT rather than the node directly. A typical stack is a React front end with Taquito and Beacon, an indexer API, and your own backend for anything off-chain.
Etherlink: the EVM route
Etherlink is an EVM-compatible layer 2 built on Tezos smart rollups. You write Solidity, use Foundry or Hardhat, and connect MetaMask or other EVM wallets, while the rollup settles to Tezos. It is the faster path for teams already working with Ethereum or porting an existing dApp. The trade-off is that you leave behind native FA2 tooling and must bridge assets between the layer 1 and Etherlink. General Solidity practice from Solidity development applies.
Testing and deployment
- Write contracts in SmartPy or LIGO and unit-test with the language's test framework.
- Run integration tests against a local sandbox node, then deploy to a public testnet listed in the Tezos documentation.
- Build the front end with Taquito and Beacon and test with several wallets.
- Commission an audit by reviewers who know Michelson's execution model.
- Originate (deploy) to mainnet and verify metadata displays correctly in wallets and indexers.
A moderately complex dApp, such as a marketplace or staking app with a few contracts, is commonly two to four engineers for two to four months. Auditor and developer pools are smaller than Ethereum's, so budget extra lead time for audits.
Choosing Tezos, honestly
Tezos suits projects that value formal verification, self-amending governance and its art and NFT community. Its DeFi liquidity and developer ecosystem are smaller than Ethereum's, so check that the integrations you need exist before committing. Compare with Polkadot dApp development or the general dApp development guide if you are still choosing a chain.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to learn Michelson?
Not to write contracts, since SmartPy and LIGO compile to it. Reading Michelson helps when debugging and auditing.
Can I deploy Solidity on Tezos?
Yes, on Etherlink, the EVM-compatible layer 2. The Tezos layer 1 itself runs Michelson only.
What is the Tezos equivalent of ERC-721?
FA2 (TZIP-12) covers non-fungible tokens as well as fungible and multi-asset tokens in one standard.