# 2. How to Use Mina IDE

## 1. Write a contract

After entering the project, you can click on the "preview" option at the top right corner of the readme.md file in the folder to preview it.

<figure><img src="/files/D6dWHg2FSClyvyplEocl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In the Explorer panel, you can create new files (or folders), refresh the directory, and download files. You can also directly click on the files that come with the template.

<figure><img src="/files/VILo9HbHRuuvRmk5gMTE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Click on a contract file to edit the code.

<figure><img src="/files/PxkdQKFftzx2ZZM4UXSS" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## 2. Compile a contract

On the right-hand menu bar, under the Compiler section, select "Module Package Path", and then click on "Compile" to start compiling the contract.

<figure><img src="/files/Ijd6VCZltNSBjK02BEPE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After successful compilation, a 'build' folder will be generated in the current directory.

<figure><img src="/files/SUq4MNCLkshz8nOKsfvS" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## 3. Deploy a contract

Click on the "Deploy & Interaction" button on the right side, which will take you to the deployment and interaction page. Select "Module Package Path", and then click on "Config" to start zk config.

<figure><img src="/files/ro1ZbspB0G6rHKmhMW5l" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

For example (Testnet):

* Deploy alias name: `devnet`

  This tutorial uses `devnet`, but the deploy alias name can be anything and does not have to match the network name.
* Target network kind: `Testnet`
* Mina GraphQL API URL: `https://api.minascan.io/node/devnet/v1/graphql`
* Transaction fee to use when deploying (in MINA): `0.1`
* Use a different account (select to see options): `Create a new fee payer key pair`

For example (Mainnet):

* Deploy alias name: `mainnet`

  This tutorial uses `devnet`, but the deploy alias name can be anything and does not have to match the network name.
* Target network kind: `Mainnet`
* Mina GraphQL API URL: `https://api.minascan.io/node/mainnet/v1/graphql`
* Transaction fee to use when deploying (in MINA): `0.1`
* Use a different account (select to see options): `Create a new fee payer key pair`

After completing the configuration, click on the faucet link in the Sandbox to obtain test tokens.

<figure><img src="/files/q5VcVdTVaBgbDqb1LGRX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After successfully obtaining the test tokens, click on Deploy and select the appropriate Deploy Alias for deployment.

<figure><img src="/files/HunPMBXnBY2y5tu0RNUX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Wait for a moment, and the sandbox will display the deployment link. Click on that link to confirm that the deployment transaction has been successfully added to the chain.

<figure><img src="/files/gvniInxOjFSBLGvKT8SE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## 4. Contract interaction

After a successful contract deployment, you can interact with the contract. Select the corresponding parameters and click on Interact to initiate the interaction.

<figure><img src="/files/epm7fMvCNgDmaev1zRl8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## 5. Mina Sandbox

If you prefer using the command line for development, you can open the Mina Sandbox, which comes pre-loaded with [zkApp CLI](https://www.npmjs.com/package/zkapp-cli), [Git](https://git-scm.com/) and [Node.js V20](https://nodejs.org/en)。

<figure><img src="/files/bsTlQkpO02KcFpdwfC9z" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If you've started a process on a port in the Sandbox and wish to access that port, please refer to [ChainIDE - Port Forwarding](/chainide-english-1/port-forwarding.md).


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