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Ape

Ape is an open-source Python-based Web3 development framework for compiling, testing and interacting with smart contracts from a command-line session. Its modular plugin system supports multiple contract languages and blockchain-development workflows, including Solidity and Vyper work for Ethereum projects.

Explore the practical guide ↓

Independent OpenViST project profile, based on linked sources.

Ape — OpenViST project profile in Developer Tools.
OpenViST project illustration. See the linked sources for product details.
Understand the project

Practical overview

When it fits

Use Ape when a blockchain project needs a Python-based CLI for contract compilation, testing and interaction, particularly when plugin-based support for languages or chains is useful.

Who it is for

  • Blockchain developers building Ethereum smart-contract projects
  • Python developers who want a command-line Web3 development workflow
  • Teams that need compilation, testing and contract interaction in one framework
  • Developers whose workflows benefit from configurable plugins

Documented uses

  • Compile Solidity or Vyper smart contracts
  • Run smart-contract testing workflows
  • Interact with contracts through the command line or Ape console
  • Configure a development environment with Web3 plugins
  • Work with project, network, scripting and logging workflows
Before you choose

Requirements & limits

The repository is public and uses the Apache-2.0 license. The documented installation routes are pipx, pip and Docker. Linux and macOS are listed as supported environments; Windows users are directed to use WSL.

  • Python version and operating-system requirements affect setup: the latest release lists Python 3.10 through 3.13, Linux or macOS, and WSL for Windows.
  • Installation can be package-based or containerized, with different plugin starting points.
  • The full Docker image includes recommended plugins, while the slim image requires additional configuration for plugin use.
  • Plugin provenance matters because the project warns about plugins outside the ApeWorX GitHub organization.
  • Ape combines compilation, testing and interaction in a CLI and console workflow rather than presenting these as separate tools.

Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.

Source-based practical guide

Install Ape and confirm the command-line setup

Set up Ape with a Python package manager or Docker, then perform the project's documented installation check.

Before you start

  • Linux or macOS with Python 3.10 through 3.13, or Windows Subsystem for Linux
  • pipx, pip, or Docker
  • A project environment where Python packages can be isolated when using pip or pipx

Steps

  1. Install pipx or pip using their respective installation instructions, or choose the documented Docker image.

  2. Install Ape with pipx install eth-ape or the command below; the project recommends the recommended-plugins extra when installing with pip, or use the Docker image that includes recommended plugins.

    Documented command
    pip install eth-ape

  3. Run ape --version to verify the installation according to the quickstart.

  4. Continue with the relevant Ape guide for projects, compiling, testing, networks, console or scripting.

Expected outcome

Ape is installed through one of the documented methods and the command-line installation check has been performed.

Guide limitations

  • The setup instructions do not by themselves document a completed contract compilation, test run or deployment.
  • The slim Docker image does not include plugins and requires further configuration when plugins are used.
Documentation 1 ↗Documentation 2 ↗
Evidence and transparency

Sources & review

Official repository ↗Guide documentation ↗
Source record details
Source availability
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Sources checked
2 October 2026
Original website title
ApeWorX/ape · Official homepage title · retained in its source language
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