The Solidity vs. Viper rivalry is well-known to smart contract coders. Both languages have the same functionality, can perform transactional programming, and were created for the Ethereum ecosystem. However, these programming languages weren't made to compete with each other.

Understanding Smart Contracts in the Ethereum Network

Before dissecting the differences between Solidity and Vyper, it's important to know why these languages are necessary. Solidity and Vyper are used to create smart contracts. Unlike regular contracts, smart contracts add extra layers of security and verification to an agreement.

Ethereum utilizes the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) to execute its application code or smart contracts. It provides a run-time environment that runs on top of the Ethereum network.

As it's Turning-complete, EVM can run any program coded in any programming language. While this feature is welcomed, it makes it even harder for programmers to decide between Solidity, Viper, or even Huff or Yul. All are great languages, but they also have their weaknesses.

A Brief Overview of Solidity

Solidity is the most popular high-level language by Defi (decentralized finance) TVL (Total Value Locked) and is similar to JavaScript. Most developer tools are designed for Solidity first, which is why students opt for a Solidity bootcamp before looking into Vyper, Huff, or Yul.

A Brief Overview of Vyper

Vyper is the second most popular high-level language by Defi TVL and is similar to Python. Like Solidity, Vyper was created for the EVM but wasn't designed to compete with Solidity. Vyper was made to improve Solidity by enhancing readability and limiting specific coding practices.

How Solidity and Vyper Compare and How to Choose

While Solidity and Vyper can execute the same function, they don't do so in the exact same way. There are also aesthetic differences between the two that may affect your choice.

Solidity is Significantly More Popular Than Vyper

According to DefiLlama, 90% of smart contracts are secured by Solidity, but less than 7% are secured by Vyper. If you're looking for a programming language that offers the highest hiring potential, choose Solidity. With that said, knowing both can make you a sought-after talent.

Solidity and Vyper Are Quick and Simple to Write

Solidity and Vyper are simple to write, making both languages smart to adopt, especially as Ethereum becomes stable. With that said, Solidity is easier to learn if you have a background in JavaScript, whereas Vyper is simple for coders who know Python like the back of their hand.

Developers would consider Solidity a general-use smart contract language, whereas Vyper is made to be minimalistic and easily audited. Solidity and Vyper can use most frameworks, like Foundry and Brownie. However, Vyper needs to use a plugin to connect to tools like Hard Hat.

Vyper is Technically More Gas-Optimized of the Two

Lower-level languages like Yul and Huff are more efficient than Vyper and Solidity, but Vyper is much more efficient than Solidity. This makes sense because Vyper's code is less bulky than Solidity. However, this comes at a cost, as Solidity runs more checks and protections.

Solidity Performs More Checks Automatically

Vyper, despite it being a high-level language, performs the same checks as low-level languages, Huff and Yul. Solidity starts by creating a free memory pointer, which controls memory management. When you add something to the memory array, this feature points to the end of it.

In Solidity, you can declare any array without size, but you can only have a dynamic array in Vyper if it's "bounded." Solidity is easier to use for this reason. With that said, declaring the bounds of an array can reduce gas usage and possibly prevent more denial-of-service attacks.

Vyper could be used to run the same checks as Solidity; you just need to program them in first. But when you do, you could save more time and gas, which is great for experienced coders.

Vyper vs. Solidity: Which Option is Better for Smart Contracts?

In the end, Vyper and Solidity are both great for smart contracts. Unlike Huff and Yull, Vyper and Solidity can secure your Ethereum transactions at the highest level. The only main differences between the two are their gas costs, popularity, and automation, as both are simple to write.

If you're a beginner programmer and you want to try your hand at smart contracts, try Solidity. If you're familiar with smart contracts and you want a more customizable language, choose Vyper.