📝 [DOCS] Document Cairo Contracts vs Dojo Contracts

[jimenezz22]

📝 Issue Title: Document Cairo Contracts vs Dojo Contracts: Key Differences and When to Use Each

🔍 Scope

Create concise documentation comparing pure Cairo smart contracts with Dojo-powered contracts for game development. Use comparison tables and clear guidelines to help developers choose the right approach for their projects.

This will be part of the Cairo fundamentals section under /getting-started/cairo/contracts-comparison and should serve as a quick decision guide for developers.

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🔄 How to Implement the Issue

📁 Documentation Structure

1. Provide clear definitions and use cases for each approach
   2 Create comparison tables highlighting key differences
2. Include decision framework for choosing between approaches

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📄 Content Requirements

Step 1: Overview & Definitions

Pure Cairo Contracts

• Traditional Starknet smart contracts for general blockchain applications
• Manual state management and infrastructure setup
• Maximum flexibility and customization

Dojo Framework

• Specialized framework for onchain games and autonomous worlds
• ECS architecture with automatic tooling and indexing
• Opinionated structure optimized for gaming

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Step 2: Architecture Comparison Table

Aspect	Pure Cairo	Dojo Framework
Architecture	Standalone contracts	World + Systems + Models
State Management	Manual storage patterns	Automatic ECS models
Data Access	Custom queries/events	Auto-generated GraphQL
Development Speed	Slower, more setup	Rapid prototyping
Learning Curve	Starknet + Cairo	Dojo conventions + Cairo
Flexibility	Maximum customization	Gaming-focused patterns
Tooling	General Starknet tools	Integrated gaming stack
Infrastructure	Manual indexing setup	Built-in Torii indexer

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Step 3: Use Cases Comparison Table

Project Type	Recommended Approach	Reasoning
DeFi Protocols	Pure Cairo	Financial logic, custom economics
Onchain Games	Dojo Framework	Gaming patterns, rapid development
NFT Marketplaces	Pure Cairo	Standard patterns, existing tools
Autonomous Worlds	Dojo Framework	Complex state, real-time queries
Governance Systems	Pure Cairo	Custom voting logic, flexibility
Game Tournaments	Dojo Framework	Player tracking, leaderboards
Cross-chain Bridges	Pure Cairo	Infrastructure focus
MMO Games	Dojo Framework	Complex multiplayer state

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Step 4: Development Experience Comparison

Development Aspect	Pure Cairo	Dojo Framework
Setup Time	Hours to days	Minutes
Boilerplate Code	High	Minimal
State Queries	Manual implementation	Auto-generated GraphQL
Frontend Integration	Custom bindings	Auto-generated TypeScript
Testing	Manual test setup	Built-in testing patterns
Deployment	Manual process	Streamlined with sozo

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Step 5: Decision Framework

When to Choose Pure Cairo:

• ✅ Building DeFi or financial applications
• ✅ Need maximum gas optimization
• ✅ Require custom architecture patterns
• ✅ Integrating with existing Starknet ecosystems
• ✅ Have specific performance requirements

When to Choose Dojo:

• ✅ Building games or autonomous worlds
• ✅ Need rapid development and prototyping
• ✅ Want built-in indexing and querying
• ✅ Prefer opinionated, gaming-focused patterns
• ✅ Team is new to blockchain game development

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Step 6: Migration Considerations

From Pure Cairo to Dojo

• Benefits: Faster development, better tooling
• Challenges: Learning Dojo patterns, architectural changes
• Best for: Projects adding gaming features

From Dojo to Pure Cairo

• Benefits: More control, custom optimizations
• Challenges: Building infrastructure, more complexity
• Best for: Scaling beyond gaming use cases

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✅ Acceptance Criteria

✅ Clear Comparisons

• Comparison tables clearly highlight differences between approaches
• Decision framework helps developers choose the right approach
• Use cases are practical and based on real project needs

✅ Concise Content

• Documentation is focused and scannable
• Tables are well-organized and easy to read
• Avoids unnecessary technical depth or code examples

✅ Practical Value

• Serves as a quick reference for architecture decisions
• Helps teams evaluate trade-offs efficiently
• Provides actionable recommendations

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📸 Additional Context

• Target Length: ~150–200 lines (concise and focused)
• Format: Heavy use of comparison tables and bullet points
• Focus: Decision-making tool rather than deep technical tutorial

Success Criteria:

• Developers can quickly understand the key differences
• Teams can make informed architecture decisions in under 5 minutes of reading
• Clear guidance on when each approach provides optimal value

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🙏 Contribution Guidelines

Please ensure you read and follow the contribution guidelines in the project's README file

• Keep content concise and table-focused
• Research real-world examples to validate use case recommendations
• Follow the established documentation format used in other guides of Dojo By Example

[Jemiiah]

@jimenezz22 I would love to work on this issue. could i be assigned to take this issue

Recommended by OnlyDust for outstanding experience and quality contributions.

[Sendi0011]

I will like to work on this issue.
ETA: 24hours

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[ryzen-xp]

Hi,
I am a proficient blockchain developer with expertise in Cairo, Rust, and Solidity, as well as web development. I have contributed to multiple Starknet and Stellar projects and more.
Additionally, I am a fellow of the OnlyDust fellowship program.

Kindly assign me this issue.
Thank you!
ETA: 24 hours