cardano-init

Go from zero to a running Cardano protocol in one command.

Pick a tool for each role you need (on-chain, off-chain, devnet, infrastructure, formal-methods). cardano-init generates a monorepo where every component is already connected to the others. It also includes a worked end-to-end example that builds and passes its tests as soon as it is generated.

$ cardano-init --name my-protocol --on-chain aiken --off-chain meshjs --devnet yaci

my-protocol/
├── on-chain/     # Validators (smart contracts)
├── off-chain/    # Tx building (protocol transactions)
├── devnet/       # Local chain for integration testing
├── blueprint/    # shared CIP-57 contract interface
├── spec/         # Protocol specification (plain Markdown; --no-spec to skip)
├── .env          # shared between components
├── Justfile      # Commands to build, test, and clean
├── AGENTS.md     # Agent brief
└── README.md

$ cd my-protocol && just test
  ✓  All tests passed

Why cardano-init?

• One command to a working project. The generated monorepo builds and passes its tests immediately.
• Combine tools freely. Components share a common contract, so a tool from one role works with any tool from another.
• Built for coding agents. Every command can print JSON, and every project includes an AGENTS.md that tells an agent what the project is and what to do next.
• Help with setup. The built-in doctor checks your toolchains and prints the install command for anything missing.
• A real example. Every stack ships the same gift-card scenario, and it runs end to end.

Where to go next

• New to Cardano: the Cardano Developer Portal has a hands-on onboarding path, from wallets and transactions to writing and testing validators.
• First project: Installation, then the Quick start.
• How the components connect: How it works.
• All flags: the Command reference.
• Using cardano-init from an LLM: For coding agents.
• Adding your tool to the registry: Adding a tool.

cardano-init is open source (Apache-2.0) and developed on GitHub.