The Launch of Tolk 1.0

The TON Foundation announced the launch of Tolk 1.0, a dedicated programming language for TON smart contracts. This new language aims to provide an easier, cost-effective way to develop smart contracts and expand the TON network.

Overview of Tolk 1.0

The TON Foundation released Tolk 1.0, the native programming language of the TON network, targeting developers who seek quicker and simpler smart contract creation. This release follows the TON network’s transition to being exclusive, utilizing only the native TON token and in-app Stars on Telegram. The robust TON ecosystem, bolstered by Telegram, aims to attract more developers.

New Standards for Smart Contracts

The launch of Tolk sets a standard for TON smart contracts. The TON network features a specific asynchronous actor model designed for Tolk’s syntax. Key objectives include optimizing gas usage, notably reducing consumption by up to 40% compared to equivalent contracts in FunC, addressing past issues like mass token airdrops.

> “This is a turning point for TON developers,” says Anatoly Makosov, Core Developer at TON Core. “With Tolk, writing smart contracts is as intuitive and expressive as leading programming languages.”

The new language tool might increase the deployment of smart contracts within TON, as previous months displayed a dip in activity.

Ecosystem Growth Prospects

After a drop in user activity in the first half of 2025, following the 2024 airdrop season, the launch of Tolk aims to enhance contract workflows and promote faster deployments. The TON Foundation has introduced complete tools to migrate existing FunC smart contracts and their integrations.

Currently, the TON Chain has recovered its native token, climbing to $3.21 amid a broader crypto recovery. However, it still remains outside the top 20 assets, aiming for a breakout to prior highs, potentially returning to $7 as interest sparks again.

With $156.46 million total value locked, down from nearly $1 billion at peak times in late 2024, TON has seen a decrease in popularity as Solana and others dominate the meme market.

In upcoming months, the TON Foundation aims to continue evolving the project and broaden its appeal, moving away from serving primarily Russian traders to securing a position as one of the leading chains with widespread regulatory acceptance.