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This is the simplest possible SnarkVM example. It demonstrates account creation, key derivation, and basic operations with the Aleo blockchain.

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Complete example

use snarkvm::prelude::*;
use rand::thread_rng;

fn main() -> Result<()> {
    // Generate a new private key
    let private_key = PrivateKey::<Testnet3>::new(&mut thread_rng())?;
    
    // Derive the view key and address
    let view_key = ViewKey::try_from(&private_key)?;
    let address = Address::try_from(&private_key)?;
    
    // Print the account information
    println!("Welcome to SnarkVM!");
    println!("==================");
    println!("Private Key: {}", private_key);
    println!("View Key:    {}", view_key);
    println!("Address:     {}", address);
    
    Ok(())
}

​
Step by step

Let’s break down what’s happening:
1

Import the prelude

use snarkvm::prelude::*;
use rand::thread_rng;
The prelude provides all commonly used types. We also import thread_rng for random number generation.
2

Generate a private key

let private_key = PrivateKey::<Testnet3>::new(&mut thread_rng())?;
Creates a new cryptographically secure private key for the Testnet3 network. The private key is the root secret that controls the account.
3

Derive the view key

let view_key = ViewKey::try_from(&private_key)?;
The view key is derived from the private key and can decrypt records without the ability to spend them.
4

Derive the address

let address = Address::try_from(&private_key)?;
The address is the public identifier for the account. It’s safe to share and is used to receive transactions.
5

Display the results

println!("Address: {}", address);
Print the account information. The address will start with aleo1 for all networks.

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Expected output

When you run this example, you’ll see output like: 
Welcome to SnarkVM!
==================
Private Key: APrivateKey1zkp...
View Key:    AViewKey1...
Address:     aleo1...
The private key is sensitive information. Never share it or commit it to version control.

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Variations

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Using different networks

You can use MainnetV0 or CanaryV0 instead of Testnet3: 
// For mainnet
let private_key = PrivateKey::<MainnetV0>::new(&mut thread_rng())?;

// For canary network
let private_key = PrivateKey::<CanaryV0>::new(&mut thread_rng())?;

​
Restoring from an existing private key

If you already have a private key string: 
let private_key = PrivateKey::<Testnet3>::from_str(
    "APrivateKey1zkp..."
)?;
let address = Address::try_from(&private_key)?;

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Next steps

Token transfer

Learn how to transfer credits between accounts

Working with accounts

Deep dive into account management

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