Smart contracts are an essential component of the blockchain and the Web3 space. These self-executing contracts are widely used to complete transactions without the involvement of any third parties. Smart contracts also play a crucial role in the development of DApps.
As Ethereum remains the platform of choice for creating smart contracts and DApps, Solidity has become a popular option for the same over other programming languages. In such a scenario, the role of applications like Remix IDE has also come into the limelight.
Remix IDE is the commonly used compiler for smart contracts written in Solidity programming language. But rather than being a simple compiler, it is also a tool that streamlines the process of creating smart contracts and combines several steps into a single application.
This article will help you learn more about Remix IDE by talking about Remix IDE in blockchain, what Remix IDE is used for and the benefits of Remix IDE.
Key Concepts of Remix IDE
Before talking about Remix IDE specifically, you should know about certain critical concepts associated with it. This will help you gain a better understanding of its purpose and benefits.
Smart Contracts
Smart contracts are high-level programming scripts that make it possible to execute contracts without the involvement of any third parties. Such contracts are automatically executed when certain conditions specified in the agreement are met.
It is one of the most important use cases of blockchain technology. Ethereum is the blockchain network that has played a crucial role in the development of smart contracts and, hence, most smart contracts today are created with its Solidity programming language.
Ethereum Virtual Machine(EVM)
EVM is an integral part of the Ethereum network as it essentially powers the whole ecosystem. It is the overarching program under which various smaller programs are developed and executed. The EVM enables developers to create DApps and provides the runtime required for executing smart contracts.
EVM is key to preventing Denial-of-Service(DoS) attacks on Ethereum. It is also responsible for ensuring the network’s security by leveraging a global network of public nodes.
Solidity
Solidity is the language used for writing smart contracts on Ethereum. It is an object-oriented programming language that was first conceived in 2014 and is now the most popular language for creating smart contracts on Ethereum and other EVM-compatible blockchains.
Solidity’s easy understandability and flexible functionality make it the preferred blockchain coding language among DApps developers.
Graphic User Interface(GUI)
GUI is a form of user interface through which users interact with electronic devices via icons, menus and other such graphics. They display information and user controls in a graphic format and, hence, make computers and other digital technologies more accessible to less tech-savvy people.
Integrated Development Environment(IDE)
An IDE is a software application that enables developers to consolidate the various aspects of writing a computer program. It helps increase the programmer’s efficiency by combining several activities such as source code editing, executables building and debugging in a single application.
Remix IDE is one such application that is used for developing smart contracts with the Solidity programming language.
What is Remix IDE Used For?
Remix IDE is a free no-setup tool for developing and deploying smart contracts on Ethereum and EVM-compatible blockchains. It is an intuitive web-based tool that streamlines the process of creating a smart contract and increases the developer’s efficiency. In other words, you can directly write Solidity contracts from the browser with Remix IDE.
It primarily has three modules- one for testing, one for debugging and one for deployment of smart contracts.
Remix IDE comes with a rich set of plugins that foster a great development environment. It offers an in-built compiler and debugger making it easy to compile the smart contracts for execution and check them for bugs.
The IDE is also available as a desktop application for programmers who prefer to save files directly in their computer’s file system. Further, you can learn and teach more about the Ethereum network on Remix IDE.
Remix IDE Layout
It is important to understand the elements of Remix IDE’s layout so that you can easily write, test and implement smart contracts. The crucial elements here are:
Icon Panel
It is located on the left side of the IDE. Here, you will find various icons for accessing different Remix features. Some of the important ones are file explorer, compiler, debugger, settings and plugin manager.
Terminal
It is located on the bottom of the IDE. The terminal displays the compiler output and other processes. You can also use it to run scripts and other commands and to view the results of users’ interactions with GUIs.
Side Panel
The side panel can be found on the right side of the IDE. You can find various panels for accessing features like Solidity compiler, plugin manager, debugger etc. here. The side panel also displays the GUIs of nearly Remix plugins.
Main Panel
The main panel is, obviously, in the center of the IDE. This is the place where developers write, edit and view their smart contracts. You can also view information about the current file such as its name, path and status on the main panel. In addition, it also displays files for compilation and showcases plugins.
Home Page
The first screen that is displayed when you open Remix is called the Home Page. It provides quick and easy access to resources such as Remix documentation and social media feeds. The home page also provides shortcuts to recent files.
Environments
This feature, located in the IDE’s top-right corner, can be used to switch between different blockchains and configurations.
Plugin Manager
With the plugin manager, you can install and manage various plugins for Remix. Some such plugins and extensions are code linters and security analyzers. It helps you to manage the activity of the plugins and you can load a local plugin to the IDE.
Remix IDE vs. Remix Project
Remix IDE and Remix Project are often considered to be the same thing but they are actually not. The Remix Project is a broader platform for development tools. It operates based on a plugin architecture and consists of several sub-projects such as Remix Plugin Engine and and Remix Libs.
Remix IDE is one such sub-project under the larger Remix Project. It is an open-source web-based IDE for writing and developing smart contracts with Solidity on Ethereum and other EVM-compatible blockchains.
What are the Benefits of Remix IDE?
Now, the question is why do developers prefer Remix IDE over anything else? What does it offer? Well, turns out Remix IDE has several benefits such as a user-friendly interface and a Solidity compiler. Let us have a look at the advantages of Remix IDE:
User-friendly Interface
Remix IDE offers developers a straightforward and user-friendly interface for their smart contract projects. Here, developers can write, develop, test and deploy their smart contracts in a simple and easy-to-use manner.
In-built Solidity Compiler
A solidity compiler turns the smart contract code into a collection of byte instructions that the EVM can understand. This is necessary for the proper execution of the commands. Remix IDE offers developers an in-built Solidity compiler and debugger that makes it easy to execute smart contracts.
Support for Plugins and Extensions
Remix IDE provides support for various plugins and extensions. There are a variety of plugins available here and you can even download or create your own plugins. Further, you can use the Plugin Manager to integrate a local plugin into the Remix environment.
Switching between Blockchain Networks
Remix IDE’s environments enable you to easily switch between different blockchain networks. This helps in simplifying the process of developing and deploying a smart contract.
The Bottom Line
Remix IDE is a free web-based IDE that makes it easy to develop, test and execute Solidity smart contracts. It offers a streamlined way to get your project on its feet. The platform delivers all the tools needed to create, compile, debug and execute your smart contracts in one place.
Remix is an important part of Web3 and DApp development and hence, it is important to understand its layout and elements to create quality smart contracts.