> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.skale.space/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Deploy Your First Contract

> Deploy your first Solidity smart contract on SKALE Base

Now that you're connected and have CREDITS to cover compute costs, let's deploy your first smart contract on **SKALE Base Mainnet**.

This guide uses **Foundry** — a fast, portable toolkit for Ethereum development. If you prefer Hardhat, see the [Setup Hardhat](/cookbook/deployment/setup-hardhat) guide.

<Note>
  Every transaction in this guide deducts from your CREDIT balance — no gas token needed. Make sure you have CREDITS before starting. See [Buy CREDITS](/developers/integrate-skale/buy-credits).
</Note>

## Prerequisites

* [Foundry installed](https://book.getfoundry.sh/getting-started/installation) (`foundryup`)
* CREDITS in your wallet on SKALE Base Mainnet (see [Buy CREDITS](/developers/integrate-skale/buy-credits))
* SKALE Base Mainnet RPC URL: `https://skale-base.skalenodes.com/v1/base`
  (see [Connect to SKALE](/developers/integrate-skale/connect-to-skale))

## Step 1: Set Up a Foundry Project

```shell theme={null}
forge init my-skale-contract
cd my-skale-contract
```

Project structure:

```
my-skale-contract/
├── src/          # Smart contracts
├── script/       # Deployment scripts
├── test/         # Test files
├── lib/          # Dependencies
├── foundry.toml  # Configuration
└── remappings.txt
```

Install OpenZeppelin contracts:

```shell theme={null}
forge install OpenZeppelin/openzeppelin-contracts
```

## Step 2: Configure foundry.toml

Update `foundry.toml` to point at SKALE Base Mainnet:

```toml theme={null}
[profile.default]
src = "src"
out = "out"
libs = ["lib"]

[rpc_endpoints]
skale_mainnet = "https://skale-base.skalenodes.com/v1/base"
```

## Step 3: Create Your Contract

Create an ERC-721 (NFT) contract in `src/MyNFT.sol`:

```shell theme={null}
touch src/MyNFT.sol
```

```solidity theme={null}
// SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT
pragma solidity ^0.8.19;

import "@openzeppelin/contracts/token/ERC721/ERC721.sol";

contract MyNFT is ERC721 {
    uint256 private _nextTokenId;

    constructor() ERC721("MyNFT", "MNFT") {}

    function mint(address to) public {
        uint256 tokenId = _nextTokenId;
        _safeMint(to, tokenId);
        _nextTokenId++;
    }

    function getNextTokenId() public view returns (uint256) {
        return _nextTokenId;
    }
}
```

## Step 4: Compile

```shell theme={null}
forge build
```

## Step 5: Deploy to Mainnet

Deploy your contract to SKALE Base Mainnet:

```shell theme={null}
forge create src/MyNFT.sol:MyNFT \
    --interactive \
    --rpc-url skale_mainnet \
    --legacy
```

Or use an encrypted keystore:

```shell theme={null}
forge create src/MyNFT.sol:MyNFT \
    --account skale-deployer \
    --rpc-url skale_mainnet \
    --broadcast \
    --legacy
```

<Note>
  SKALE Chains require the `--legacy` flag. If you don't have a keystore, `--interactive` prompts for your private key. The deployment will deduct CREDITS from your wallet to cover compute.
</Note>

<Note>
  **Done.** Your contract is live on SKALE Base Mainnet. Next, [verify your contract](/cookbook/smart-contracts/verify-smart-contracts) or [deploy an ERC-20 token](/cookbook/smart-contracts/deploy-erc20-token).
</Note>

## Related Topics

* [Setup Foundry](/cookbook/deployment/setup-foundry) — full Foundry configuration guide
* [Setup Hardhat](/cookbook/deployment/setup-hardhat) — Hardhat alternative
* [Verify Smart Contracts](/cookbook/smart-contracts/verify-smart-contracts)
* [Explore Programmable Privacy](/developers/programmable-privacy/intro)