Developers building on Hedera can jumpstart their projects with the Hedera DApp Starter Template. Built using Create React App, Material UI, and TypeScript, this template comes with integrated support for HashPack, Blade, Kabila, and MetaMask wallets, offering seamless functionality out of the box.

 

Explore the template and get started here: Hedera DApp Starter Template.

We’ve updated our documentation to help developers run a Hedera Local Node in multiple environments: a Cloud Development Environment like GitPod or Codespaces, or locally via NPM. This addition fills a key gap, providing an alternative to working on the Hedera Previewnet or Testnet, making it easier for developers to build and test.

 

Get started with the updated guide here: Run a Hedera Local Node.

We introduced a new challenge, enabling developers to create their own token on the Hedera network in under 5 minutes. Featuring a guided tutorial and a video walkthrough, the challenge made onboarding quick and easy for developers of all skill levels. This campaign was a great success, bringing many new developers into the Hedera ecosystem.

 

Ready to create your token? Check out the challenge here: Five-Minute Token Launch Tutorial.

One of the standout resources from 2024 was the new and improved Hedera Testnet environment, launched in February. This update introduced two key features that transformed how developers build and test on Hedera:

1. Anonymous Faucet for Testnet HBAR
   Developers can anonymously request 100 testnet HBAR every 24 hours simply by entering their Testnet account ID or EVM address. 

2. Refined Hedera Portal Account Management
   Personal Access Tokens (API keys) to automate account recreation and querying post-reset. This ensures developers have better control over their testing resources.

In October, the Hedera team launched NFT Studio. NFT Studio is tailored for creators ranging from digital artists to innovative developers. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools and helps simplify the journey from concept to market, enabling you to easily create, manage, and distribute your NFTs. This toolkit covers every aspect of the NFT lifecycle, ensuring your projects launch smoothly and successfully.
Check out the NFT Studio documentation.

To complement this powerful toolkit, the NFT Studio Video Series provides a step-by-step guide to help you understand the key decisions you'll face when launching an NFT collection.
Check out the NFT Studio Video Series.

Asset tokenization transforms asset management as institutions, developers, and regulatory bodies increasingly recognize its potential in the digital economy. To support this shift, Hedera introduces the Asset Tokenization Studio—an open-source toolkit for configuring, issuing, and managing tokenized bonds and equities on the Hedera network.

Frictionless Airdrops (HIP-904) simplify token distribution, enabling creators to reach wider audiences without pre-existing token associations while maintaining user sovereignty. Recipients gain control over their token holdings, with options to automatically accept trusted tokens, selectively claim airdrops, or reject unwanted ones without hidden fees.

 

Further, dynamic NFTs were a major innovation for the Hedera Token Service in 2024. They enable creators to update NFT metadata over time, making tokens more interactive and versatile. Driven by HIP-657, this capability allows metadata to reflect changes like achievements in gaming assets, evolving digital art, or property updates for real estate NFTs.

 

HIP-646 introduced metadata for fungible tokens, and HIP-765 expanded metadata fields to NFT collections, enabling creators to provide detailed information at the token or collection level. Together, these Hedera Improvement Proposals made NFTs more dynamic and engaging for creators and users alike.

 

Learn more about dynamic NFTs in this detailed blog post.