> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/provablehq/snarkvm/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Hello world example

> A minimal example to get started with SnarkVM

This is the simplest possible SnarkVM example. It demonstrates account creation, key derivation, and basic operations with the Aleo blockchain.

## Complete example

```rust theme={null}
use snarkvm::prelude::*;
use rand::thread_rng;

fn main() -> Result<()> {
    // Generate a new private key
    let private_key = PrivateKey::<Testnet3>::new(&mut thread_rng())?;
    
    // Derive the view key and address
    let view_key = ViewKey::try_from(&private_key)?;
    let address = Address::try_from(&private_key)?;
    
    // Print the account information
    println!("Welcome to SnarkVM!");
    println!("==================");
    println!("Private Key: {}", private_key);
    println!("View Key:    {}", view_key);
    println!("Address:     {}", address);
    
    Ok(())
}
```

## Step by step

Let's break down what's happening:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Import the prelude">
    ```rust theme={null}
    use snarkvm::prelude::*;
    use rand::thread_rng;
    ```

    The prelude provides all commonly used types. We also import `thread_rng` for random number generation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Generate a private key">
    ```rust theme={null}
    let private_key = PrivateKey::<Testnet3>::new(&mut thread_rng())?;
    ```

    Creates a new cryptographically secure private key for the Testnet3 network. The private key is the root secret that controls the account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Derive the view key">
    ```rust theme={null}
    let view_key = ViewKey::try_from(&private_key)?;
    ```

    The view key is derived from the private key and can decrypt records without the ability to spend them.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Derive the address">
    ```rust theme={null}
    let address = Address::try_from(&private_key)?;
    ```

    The address is the public identifier for the account. It's safe to share and is used to receive transactions.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Display the results">
    ```rust theme={null}
    println!("Address: {}", address);
    ```

    Print the account information. The address will start with `aleo1` for all networks.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Expected output

When you run this example, you'll see output like:

```
Welcome to SnarkVM!
==================
Private Key: APrivateKey1zkp...
View Key:    AViewKey1...
Address:     aleo1...
```

<Note>
  The private key is sensitive information. Never share it or commit it to version control.
</Note>

## Variations

### Using different networks

You can use MainnetV0 or CanaryV0 instead of Testnet3:

```rust theme={null}
// For mainnet
let private_key = PrivateKey::<MainnetV0>::new(&mut thread_rng())?;

// For canary network
let private_key = PrivateKey::<CanaryV0>::new(&mut thread_rng())?;
```

### Restoring from an existing private key

If you already have a private key string:

```rust theme={null}
let private_key = PrivateKey::<Testnet3>::from_str(
    "APrivateKey1zkp..."
)?;
let address = Address::try_from(&private_key)?;
```

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Token transfer" icon="exchange" href="/examples/token-transfer">
    Learn how to transfer credits between accounts
  </Card>

  <Card title="Working with accounts" icon="user" href="/guides/working-with-accounts">
    Deep dive into account management
  </Card>
</CardGroup>