How to Create a Non-Fungible Token (NFT) on Sui Blockchain

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In the Sui ecosystem, every asset is treated as an object. More importantly, all objects on Sui are inherently non-fungible tokens (NFTs) because each possesses unique characteristics, non-interchangeable properties, and distinct ownership.

Understanding NFT Fundamentals on Sui

The Sui blockchain automatically treats objects as NFTs due to three key attributes:

  1. Uniqueness: Each object has a distinct identifier
  2. Non-fungibility: Objects cannot be exchanged on a one-to-one basis
  3. Ownership: Clear ownership rights are established through cryptographic proofs

NFT Implementation in Move Language

The following Move module demonstrates how to create a customizable NFT:

module examples::devnet_nft {
    use sui::url::{Self, Url};
    use std::string;
    use sui::object::{Self, ID, UID};
    use sui::event;
    use sui::transfer;
    use sui::tx_context::{Self, TxContext};

    /// An example NFT that can be minted by anybody
    struct DevNetNFT has key, store {
        id: UID,
        /// Name for the token
        name: string::String,
        /// Description of the token
        description: string::String,
        /// URL for the token
        url: Url,
        // TODO: allow custom attributes
    }

    // ===== Events =====

    struct NFTMinted has copy, drop {
        // The Object ID of the NFT
        object_id: ID,
        // The creator of the NFT
        creator: address,
        // The name of the NFT
        name: string::String,
    }

    // ===== Public view functions =====

    /// Get the NFT's `name`
    public fun name(nft: &DevNetNFT): &string::String {
        &nft.name
    }

    /// Get the NFT's `description`
    public fun description(nft: &DevNetNFT): &string::String {
        &nft.description
    }

    /// Get the NFT's `url`
    public fun url(nft: &DevNetNFT): &Url {
        &nft.url
    }

    // ===== Entrypoints =====

    /// Create a new devnet_nft
    public fun mint_to_sender(
        name: vector<u8>,
        description: vector<u8>,
        url: vector<u8>,
        ctx: &mut TxContext
    ) {
        let sender = tx_context::sender(ctx);
        let nft = DevNetNFT {
            id: object::new(ctx),
            name: string::utf8(name),
            description: string::utf8(description),
            url: url::new_unsafe_from_bytes(url)
        };

        event::emit(NFTMinted {
            object_id: object::id(&nft),
            creator: sender,
            name: nft.name,
        });

        transfer::public_transfer(nft, sender);
    }

    /// Transfer `nft` to `recipient`
    public fun transfer(
        nft: DevNetNFT, recipient: address, _: &mut TxContext
    ) {
        transfer::public_transfer(nft, recipient)
    }

    /// Update the `description` of `nft` to `new_description`
    public fun update_description(
        nft: &mut DevNetNFT,
        new_description: vector<u8>,
        _: &mut TxContext
    ) {
        nft.description = string::utf8(new_description)
    }

    /// Permanently delete `nft`
    public fun burn(nft: DevNetNFT, _: &mut TxContext) {
        let DevNetNFT { id, name: _, description: _, url: _ } = nft;
        object::delete(id)
    }
}

Key Features of This NFT Implementation

1. Core NFT Structure

The DevNetNFT struct contains essential metadata:

2. Event Emission

The module emits NFTMinted events containing:

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3. Essential Functionality

Best Practices for NFT Development on Sui

  1. Metadata Standards: Follow industry conventions for naming and descriptions
  2. Gas Optimization: Leverage Sui's efficient object model
  3. Security: Implement proper access controls
  4. Interoperability: Design with cross-platform compatibility

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Sui NFTs different from other blockchains?

Sui's object-centric model means every asset is inherently an NFT with built-in ownership tracking, eliminating the need for separate NFT standards.

Can I update NFT metadata after minting?

Yes, this implementation allows description updates while maintaining immutable core properties.

How do NFT transfers work on Sui?

Transfers utilize Sui's native public_transfer function, ensuring secure ownership changes.

Is there a way to permanently remove an NFT?

The burn function enables permanent deletion of NFTs when needed.

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Conclusion

Creating NFTs on Sui is streamlined through its object-oriented architecture. This implementation demonstrates core functionality while allowing for customization. Developers can extend this foundation with additional features like royalties, attributes, or collection standards.

For those looking to dive deeper into Sui development, consider exploring:

Remember that Sui's unique architecture provides performance advantages for NFT applications, particularly in high-volume trading scenarios.