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Pycardano

Pycardano is an MIT-licensed Python library for Cardano development that provides transaction building and signing, chain backend integration, fee calculation, UTxO selection and support for Cardano assets and scripts.

Explore the practical guide ↓

Independent OpenViST project profile, based on linked sources.

Pycardano — 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 Pycardano when a Python application needs Cardano transaction-building or signing capabilities, or when developing off-chain code and tests for a Plutus DApp.

Who it is for

  • Python developers building Cardano applications
  • Developers writing off-chain code and tests for Plutus DApps

Documented uses

  • Create and sign Cardano transactions from Python code.
  • Build transaction inputs and outputs involving ADA and native assets.
  • Integrate Cardano transaction logic into off-chain application code and tests.
Before you choose

Requirements & limits

  • The library is installed with pip, and cbor2 version 6 or later is a stated dependency.
  • The documented transaction example uses Blockfrost for chain context and submission.
  • The project lists transaction building, signing, multi-asset support, scripts, staking certificates and governance actions among its features.
  • The repository is public and specifies the MIT license.

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 Pycardano in a Python environment

Install the library and its dependencies using pip.

Before you start

  • Python environment with pip

Steps

  1. Run the command below.

    Documented command
    pip install pycardano

  2. Ensure the installed cbor2 dependency is version 6 or later.

Expected outcome

Pycardano is installed in the Python environment for use in Cardano-related development.

Guide limitations

  • This guide covers installation only; it does not configure a chain backend or demonstrate a transaction workflow.
Documentation 1 ↗
Source-based practical guide

Build and sign a Cardano transaction with the documented example

Use the README example to assemble and sign a testnet transaction.

Before you start

  • Pycardano installed in a Python environment
  • Payment and stake signing-key files
  • A Blockfrost project ID
  • A preprod chain context

Steps

  1. Set the network to testnet and load the payment and stake signing keys.

  2. Derive verification keys and a Cardano address from the signing keys.

  3. Create a Blockfrost chain context for preprod and initialize a transaction builder.

  4. Add inputs and outputs, then build and sign the transaction with the payment signing key.

  5. Submit the signed transaction through the chain context.

Expected outcome

The example constructs, signs and submits a transaction using Pycardano and a Blockfrost chain context.

Guide limitations

  • The README example assumes key files and a configured Blockfrost project ID; it does not provide those credentials.
  • The example is for testnet/preprod and does not establish the details of other network configurations.
Documentation 1 ↗
Evidence and transparency

Sources & review

Official repository ↗
Source record details
Source availability
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Sources checked
10 October 2026
Original website title
Python-Cardano/pycardano · Official homepage title · retained in its source language
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