> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.merlinchain.io/merlin-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.merlinchain.io/merlin-docs/developers/junior-builder-guides.md).

# Junior Builder Guides

This section is designed to help new developers get started with Merlin by providing step-by-step instructions on writing and deploying smart contracts. Here, you'll learn how to:

* [**Write a Contract**](/merlin-docs/developers/junior-builder-guides/write-a-contract.md)**:** Understand the basics of smart contract development and create your first contract.
* [**Deploy a Contract with Hardhat**](/merlin-docs/developers/junior-builder-guides/deploy-a-contract-with-hardhat.md)**:** Use Hardhat, a development environment for EVM, to compile, test, and deploy your smart contracts on the Merlin Chain.