Searching Algorand Examples

Find working contract examples and code patterns from Algorand Foundation repositories using GitHub tools.

Overview / Core Workflow

1. Identify what pattern or example the user needs
2. Choose the appropriate tool (github_search_code, github_get_file_contents, or github_search_repositories)
3. Search priority repositories first (devportal-code-examples, puya-ts)
4. Retrieve the relevant file(s)
5. Also fetch corresponding test files when applicable

How to proceed

1. Determine the search type:

   • Looking for a specific pattern → use github_search_code
   • Need a specific file → use github_get_file_contents
   • Discovering repositories → use github_search_repositories

2. Search priority repositories first:

   Priority	Repository	Best For
   1	algorandfoundation/devportal-code-examples	Beginner-friendly patterns
   2	algorandfoundation/puya-ts	Advanced TypeScript examples
   3	algorandfoundation/puya	Python examples
   4	algorandfoundation/algokit-*	Templates and utilities

3. Execute the search:

   # Search for code patterns
   github_search_code query:"BoxMap org:algorandfoundation language:typescript"
   
   # Get specific file
   github_get_file_contents owner:algorandfoundation repo:puya-ts path:examples/voting/contract.algo.ts
   
   # List directory contents
   github_get_file_contents owner:algorandfoundation repo:puya-ts path:examples
   
   # Find repositories
   github_search_repositories query:"topic:algorand smart-contract"
   

4. Always fetch test files:

   • For any contract file, check for corresponding *.spec.ts or *_test.py
   • Tests show how to call methods and verify behavior

Important Rules / Guidelines

• Search algorandfoundation first — Official repos have vetted, up-to-date examples
• Always include test files — They demonstrate correct usage patterns
• Use specific queries — Include org:algorandfoundation and language:typescript for better results
• Check file paths in devportal-code-examples:
  • TypeScript: projects/typescript-examples/contracts/
  • Python: projects/python-examples/contracts/
• Prefer puya-ts/examples for complex patterns — Voting, AMM, auction examples are comprehensive

If GitHub MCP Tools Unavailable

Use web search as fallback:

• For code search: site:github.com algorandfoundation {pattern} language:typescript
• For specific files: Browse directly to https://github.com/algorandfoundation/puya-ts/tree/main/examples
• For repos: Search site:github.com algorand {topic}

Key URLs to browse directly:

• https://github.com/algorandfoundation/devportal-code-examples
• https://github.com/algorandfoundation/puya-ts/tree/main/examples
• https://github.com/algorandfoundation/puya/tree/main/examples

Common Variations / Edge Cases

Scenario	Approach
Pattern not found in algorandfoundation	Expand search to all of GitHub
Need Python instead of TypeScript	Search algorandfoundation/puya instead
Looking for deployment patterns	Check algokit-*-template repos
Need ARC standard implementation	Search for "ARC-{number}" in code

References / Further Reading

• Tool Reference
• DevPortal Code Examples
• Puya TypeScript Examples
• Algorand Developer Portal