John Woods has shared exciting news: A preview for developers eager to use Python on Algorand is coming this Monday, as part of the much-anticipated AlgoKit 2.0 update. This move aims to simplify and cut the costs associated with building within Algorand's digital landscape.
Prepare for a significant event this Monday — the release of a developer preview of Python on the Algorand platform.
After over a year of collaborative effort involving top-tier engineers, the Python integration is finally ready, and I'm incredibly proud of the team's accomplishments.
Python stands out for its ease of use and broad accessibility, easing financial expenses on engineering processes, and now, virtually anyone can dive into development.
— John Woods (@JohnAlanWoods) December 8, 2023
Python's adoption within the upcoming upgrade of AlgoKit was among the most applauded innovations announced in September. Known for its adaptability and ease of learning, this release is positioned to invite countless developers eager to explore blockchain technology.
Wood’s announcement about the developer preview was delivered on his X account (formerly Twitter), where he detailed that the project had been underway for more than a year. Even amidst challenging times, the blockchain sector continues to advance.
The release marks a pivotal moment for Algorand, as expressed by Woods, by making it broadly accessible for individuals to develop applications. Although the developer preview is scheduled for next week, the public will have to wait until February 2024 for the official release.
Good Riddance Teal and Beaker
Although Python developers have found ways to create Algorand applications using libraries like Pyteal and Beaker, these approaches have their limitations with verbosity and complexity — often deterring less experienced developers.
In a recent Tweet, Woods outlined that Algorand's native Python support would act as a comprehensive pipeline, transitioning Python AST to IR languages, ultimately turning into pure TEAL and AVM bytecode.
This updated framework promises efficiency, making redundant the Pyteal and Beaker libraries, leading developers to adapt their code as these tools will eventually phase out.
Betting Big in Accessibility
The doors are opening wider for Algorand to embrace a bigger audience. Previously, on November 30th, it was announced that Algorand Foundation had joined hands with the United Nations Development Programme (UNPD) to debut a blockchain academy. This initiative aims to equip UNDP staff with insights into blockchain applications. AlgoKit 2.0 The planned academy for 2024 will extend its educational reach to more than 22,000 UNDP employees across over 170 nations.
These lessons, coupled with practical assignments, will delve into blockchain’s capability to enhance financial inclusivity, supply chain transparency, asset tokenization, and digital identity. Projects within Algorand, such as HesabPay, Wholechain, Koibanx, and Quantum Temple, are expected to contribute to this mission.
In a recent update, Algorand also spotlighted its hackathon finalists. This global event, which began in October, encourages developers to submit projects across various domains, including DeFi and Gaming.
More initiatives are queued up to enrich the ecosystem with diverse projects.
With enticing rewards of 200k USDC total, 3 finalists from each of the 5 categories will vie for awards up to 40k USDC. Student participants might also earn university prizes of 5k USDC, while winners from all tracks will compete for additional bonuses of 10k USDC and $25k in AWS credits. Build-a-bull Hackathon Earlier this month, the Algorand Foundation rewarded an additional $10k prize as part of their “Impact!” pitch contest. This initiative, part of the Algorand Impact Summit, saw the success of LW3, a project dedicated to enhancing traceability transparency for consumers.
Amidst a bullish surge in crypto markets, Algorand continues to carve out its progress.
Nicholas Say, originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, has lived globally, spending years in Uruguay before settling in the Far East. His extensive travels influence his writings which frequently focus on practical development and the forward march of human technology.
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