Competing for Blocks: Telegram’s Smart Contract Challenge

It’s not every day that a messaging app steps into the blockchain arena with a competition that boasts a prize fund ranging from $200,000 to a whopping $400,000. On September 24, Telegram announced its exciting contest for smart contract developers focused on creating apps for the Telegram Open Network (TON) Blockchain. The stakes are high, and the timeline is tight, as submissions close on October 15.

The Contest Breakdown

Considering the vastness of blockchain technology, the competition is segmented into three main parts:

• The primary task: Build one or more smart contracts using the designated tools within the TON Blockchain distribution.
• The optional but enticing improvements suggestion for the TON Virtual Machine and FunC.
• A special challenge: The TON Blockchain bug bounty contest, which offers a unique twist on traditional competitions.

Types of Smart Contracts to Code

Developers are expected to implement at least one of the following five types of smart contracts:

1. Multi-signature wallet: Because sharing is caring, but trust is essential!
2. TON DNS Resolver Contract: You’ll get to play god as you define who’s who in the TON world!
3. Synchronous Two-Party Payment Channel: Getting paid can’t be any easier than this!
4. Asynchronous Two-Party Payment Channel: Perfect for those who can’t sync their schedules!
5. Bug Exploitation Smart Contract: Okay, just kidding on this one.

Winning Through Vulnerabilities

What’s more thrilling than crafting smart contracts? Discovering bugs! The bug bounty aspect of the contest offers participants a chance to earn a substantial prize. By submitting a detailed description of a bug—along with a method for exploiting it—developers stand to gain a bonus of up to $200,000, on top of the general prize fund if they successfully pull off the exploit. Who says gaming the system doesn’t pay off?

Why Telegram is Jumping into Blockchain

This competition coincides with Telegram’s upcoming launch of its digital token, Gram, which is anticipated to make waves in October. Furthermore, the launch of the TON testnet explorer and updated node software on September 6 has set the stage for exciting developments within the Telegram ecosystem.

Final Thoughts for Aspiring Coders

If you’re a smart contract programmer looking to flex your coding muscles, this competition might just be your golden ticket to fame, fortune, and potentially a great addition to your portfolio. So dust off your keyboards and get ready to bring your A-game to the TON Blockchain!