Skip to main content

​
Overview

Builders are developers who create applications, tools, and content for the GenLayer ecosystem. This guide covers everything you need to know about the builder role and how to maximize your contributions.

​
What is a Builder?

Builders in GenLayer:

Deploy Contracts

Create and deploy intelligent contracts on GenLayer

Build Tools

Develop SDKs, libraries, and developer tools

Create Content

Write tutorials, documentation, and educational content

Educate Community

Teach others through videos, workshops, and guides

​
Builder Journey

​
Path to Becoming a Builder

1

Complete Builder Welcome

Navigate to Builders > Welcome or go to /builders/welcome.Complete the welcome journey:
  • Learn about GenLayer intelligent contracts
  • Understand the builder program
  • Accept terms and commitments
  • Activate builder profile
2

Link GitHub Account

GitHub integration is required for many builder contributions:
  • Go to Edit Profile (/profile)
  • Find GitHub section in Contact Information
  • Click “Link GitHub Account”
  • Authorize OAuth integration
GitHub linking is required for repository and code-based contributions.
3

Start Building

Choose your path:
  • Smart Contracts: Deploy contracts to GenLayer testnet
  • Developer Tools: Create SDKs, CLIs, or integrations
  • Content Creation: Write tutorials and documentation
  • Community Education: Host workshops and create videos
4

Submit Contributions

Track your work through GenLayer Points:
  • Submit contributions as you complete them
  • Provide evidence (GitHub repos, articles, demos)
  • Receive steward reviews
  • Earn points based on impact
5

Level Up

As you build:
  • Climb the leaderboard
  • Earn recognition
  • Unlock special opportunities
  • Join working groups

​
Builder Contribution Types

​
Code Contributions

Deploy smart contracts to GenLayer testnet.Requirements:
  • Contract deployed to GenLayer
  • Transaction hash or contract address
  • Functional contract (not just “Hello World”)
Evidence:
  • Explorer transaction link
  • GitHub repository with source code
  • README explaining functionality
Points: 25-500 based on complexity

​
Content Contributions

Technical writing about GenLayer.Requirements:
  • Published on public platform
  • Minimum 500 words
  • Original content
  • Relevant to GenLayer
Platforms:
  • Medium
  • Dev.to
  • Personal blog
  • LinkedIn articles
Points: 30-150 based on depth

​
Bug Reports

Help improve GenLayer by reporting issues.Requirements:
  • Detailed bug description
  • Reproduction steps
  • Expected vs actual behavior
  • Environment details
Evidence:
  • GitHub issue link
  • Screenshots or error logs
  • Sample code demonstrating bug
Points: 10-150 based on severity

​
Getting Started Quickly

​
Your First Contribution

1

Deploy a Simple Contract

Start with a basic contract to learn the process:
# Simple GenLayer contract
class HelloGenLayer:
    def greet(self, name: str) -> str:
        return f"Hello {name} from GenLayer!"
Deploy to testnet and earn 25-50 points.
2

Write About Your Experience

Document your deployment:
  • What you learned
  • Challenges faced
  • Solutions found
Publish on Medium/Dev.to for 30-75 points.
3

Share Your Code

Push to GitHub:
  • Contract source code
  • Deployment scripts
  • README with instructions
Earn 50-100 points for the repository.
Total: 105-225 points from your first project!

​
Builder Best Practices

​
Code Quality

Write Tests

Include unit tests for your contracts and tools

Document Clearly

Write comprehensive READMEs and inline comments

Use Git Properly

Meaningful commit messages and clean history

Handle Errors

Proper error handling and validation

​
Content Quality

Be Accurate

Verify technical accuracy before publishing

Show Examples

Include working code examples

Explain Clearly

Write for your target audience’s skill level

Update Regularly

Keep tutorials current with latest versions

​
GitHub Integration

​
Linking Your Account

1

Navigate to Profile

Go to /profile or click Edit Profile.
2

Find GitHub Section

Scroll to Contact Information > GitHub.
3

Click Link Account

Click “Link GitHub Account” button.
4

Authorize OAuth

On GitHub, click “Authorize” to grant:
  • Read access to public profile
  • Read access to public repositories
  • No write permissions
  • No access to private repos
5

Verify Connection

You’re redirected back with GitHub linked. Your username appears in your profile.

​
GitHub Requirements

Many builder contribution types require GitHub integration.
Required for:
  • GitHub Repository contributions
  • Developer Tool submissions (if hosted on GitHub)
  • Contract submissions with source code
Not required for:
  • Blog posts / articles
  • Tutorials on external platforms
  • Video content
  • Community education

​
Working with Smart Contracts

​
Contract Development Workflow

1

Set Up Environment

Install GenLayer development tools:
pip install genlayer-sdk
2

Write Your Contract

Create your intelligent contract:
class MyContract:
    def __init__(self):
        self.state = {}
    
    def my_function(self, param: str) -> str:
        # Your logic here
        return result
3

Test Locally

Write and run tests:
def test_my_function():
    contract = MyContract()
    result = contract.my_function("test")
    assert result == expected
4

Deploy to Testnet

Deploy using GenLayer tools:
genlayer deploy contract.py \
  --network testnet \
  --account $YOUR_ACCOUNT
5

Verify Deployment

Check GenLayer Explorer:
  • Find deployment transaction
  • Copy transaction hash
  • Verify contract is active
6

Submit Contribution

On GenLayer Points:
  • Select “Contract Deployed”
  • Provide transaction hash
  • Link to GitHub repo (if public)
  • Describe functionality

​
Contract Complexity Levels

Basic contracts:
  • Single function
  • Minimal state
  • Educational purpose
Example: Greeting contract, counter

​
Creating Developer Tools

​
Tool Categories

SDKs & Libraries

Client libraries for different languages

CLI Tools

Command-line utilities for developers

IDE Extensions

VS Code, IntelliJ plugins

Testing Tools

Testing frameworks and utilities

​
Tool Development Checklist

  • Solves real problem: Addresses actual developer pain point
  • Well documented: Clear README and usage examples
  • Easy to install: Simple installation process
  • Works reliably: Tested and handles errors gracefully
  • Open source: Public repository with license
  • Maintained: Regular updates and bug fixes

​
Content Creation Guide

​
Writing Technical Articles

1

Choose Your Topic

Focus on:
  • Problems you solved
  • Features you discovered
  • Comparisons with other platforms
  • Best practices you learned
2

Structure Your Article

Use clear structure:
  • Introduction (problem/goal)
  • Body (step-by-step or explanation)
  • Code examples
  • Conclusion (summary/next steps)
3

Add Code Examples

Include working code:
  • Syntax highlighted
  • Fully functional
  • Well commented
  • Copy-pasteable
4

Use Visuals

Enhance with:
  • Screenshots
  • Diagrams
  • GIFs for processes
  • Charts for data
5

Publish and Share

Maximize reach:
  • Publish on popular platform
  • Share on social media
  • Post in GenLayer Discord
  • Submit as contribution

​
Creating Video Tutorials

Technical Setup:
  • Clear audio (use good microphone)
  • High resolution (1080p minimum)
  • Edited for clarity (remove long pauses)
Content Structure:
  • Brief introduction (30 seconds)
  • Main content (step-by-step)
  • Conclusion and resources
Presentation Tips:
  • Speak clearly and not too fast
  • Show AND explain (visual + audio)
  • Use zooms for small details
  • Add timestamps in description

​
Startup Opportunities

Builders can explore startup ideas in the Startup Requests section:

​
What are Startup Requests?

Opportunities identified by GenLayer for community members to pursue:
  • Business ideas
  • Product needs
  • Integration opportunities
  • Research projects

​
How to Respond

1

Browse Opportunities

Visit Builders > Startup Requests to see active opportunities.
2

Review Details

Each request includes:
  • Problem description
  • Potential solution
  • Resources and documentation
  • Expected outcomes
3

Start Building

If interested:
  • Build the solution
  • Document your work
  • Submit related contributions
4

Engage with Team

Discuss your progress:
  • Share in Discord
  • Get feedback
  • Collaborate with others

​
Working Groups

Builders can join Working Groups to collaborate on specific focus areas.
Working groups provide:
  • Focused Collaboration: Work with others on shared goals
  • Expert Guidance: Learn from experienced builders
  • Exclusive Opportunities: Access to special projects
  • Community Recognition: Visibility for your contributions
Join via your profile or through Discord channels.

​
Common Builder Challenges

Solution: Start small
  1. Deploy a simple contract
  2. Write about your experience
  3. Build on what you learned
Solution: Simple is valuable!
  • Beginner-friendly tutorials help newcomers
  • Basic tools solve real problems
  • Your perspective is unique
Solution: Iterate and improve
  • Start with MVP
  • Get feedback from community
  • Refine based on usage
  • Update and resubmit
Solution: Quick setup
  1. Create free GitHub account
  2. Link in your profile
  3. Start pushing code

​
Builder Resources

Documentation

Official GenLayer developer docs

Discord

#builders channel for support and collaboration

GitHub

GenLayer organization repositories

Examples

Sample contracts and projects

​
Next Steps

Submit Your First Contribution

Deploy a contract and track your work

Contribution Types

Explore all available builder contribution types

Build docs developers (and LLMs) love

Get started for freeTalk to us