docs: add Miden Playground getting started tutorial

docs/src/playground_getting_started.md

@@ -0,0 +1,133 @@
+---
+title: Getting Started with Miden Playground
+sidebar_position: 5
+---
+
+# Getting Started with Miden Playground
+
+The [Miden Playground](https://playground.miden.xyz) is a browser-based environment that lets you write, compile, and deploy Miden smart contracts without installing any local tools.
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+- A modern browser (Chrome or Firefox recommended)
+- [Miden Wallet browser extension](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/miden-wallet/afkbfpajhbkooldkoggjfmicfflmmhbj)
+- No Rust or local toolchain required
+
+## Overview
+
+The Playground provides:
+- **Scripts editor** — write Account Components and Note Scripts in Rust
+- **Accounts** — create and manage local accounts and smart contracts
+- **Notes** — create, send, and consume notes
+- **Transactions** — view transaction history and status
+
+## Step 1: Install Miden Wallet Extension
+
+Before using the Playground, install the Miden Wallet browser extension. This is required to sign transactions.
+
+1. Visit the [Chrome Web Store](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/miden-wallet/afkbfpajhbkooldkoggjfmicfflmmhbj)
+2. Click **Add to Chrome**
+3. Pin the extension to your browser toolbar
+4. Open the extension and create a new wallet
+5. Save your seed phrase securely
+
+## Step 2: Create Your First Account
+
+1. Open [playground.miden.xyz](https://playground.miden.xyz)
+2. In the left sidebar, click **Accounts**
+3. Click **"Create new account"** → select **"Basic Wallet"**
+4. Give it a name (e.g. `my-wallet`)
+5. Click **Create**
+
+## Step 3: Get Test Tokens from Faucet
+
+1. In the sidebar, click **Accounts** → select your wallet
+2. Click **"Add Funds"** or navigate to the **Miden Faucet**
+3. Request testnet tokens
+4. Wait for the note to appear in your **Notes** tab
+5. Consume the note to receive tokens into your account
+
+## Step 4: Send Your First Transaction
+
+1. Go to **Notes** → click **"Add note"** → **"Send assets"**
+2. Select your wallet as the sender
+3. Enter a recipient address
+4. Set the amount and note type (Public)
+5. Click **Create** → sign via the Miden Wallet extension
+6. Wait for network confirmation (may take 1-3 minutes due to ZK proof generation)
+
+## Step 5: Deploy a Smart Contract
+
+The Playground supports deploying custom smart contracts using Miden's component-based architecture.
+
+### Writing an Account Component
+
+1. Go to **Scripts** → click **"Create new script"**
+2. Select **Type: Account Component**
+3. Choose an **Example** template to start from
+4. Modify the Rust code as needed
+5. Click **Compile** (this may take 1-3 minutes)
+
+### Deploying the Contract
+
+1. Go to **Accounts** → **"Create new account"** → **"Deploy account"**
+2. Select your compiled Account Component
+3. Choose **Auth Component** (No Auth for public contracts)
+4. Click **Deploy**
+
+## Step 6: Interact via Note Scripts
+
+Note scripts are the mechanism for interacting with smart contracts in Miden.
+
+1. Go to **Scripts** → **"Create new script"**
+2. Select **Type: Note Script**
+3. Add your Account Component as a dependency in the **Metadata** tab
+4. Write your interaction logic
+5. Compile the script
+6. Go to **Notes** → **"Add note"** → **"Create note"**
+7. Select your contract and note script
+8. Sign and submit
+
+## Performance Notes
+
+- **Compilation** takes 1-3 minutes due to ZK proof generation
+- **Transactions** take 1-5 minutes to be acknowledged by the network  
+- Do not close or refresh the browser tab during compilation or transaction signing
+
+## Tutorials Available in the Playground
+
+The Playground has built-in tutorials covering:
+
+| Tutorial | Level | Description |
+|----------|-------|-------------|
+| Basic wallet | Beginner | Create wallet, request funds, send tokens |
+| P2ID note | Beginner | Pay-to-ID note pattern |
+| P2IDR note | Beginner | Pay-to-ID with recall |
+| Timelock P2ID | Intermediate | Time-locked payments |
+| Network transactions | Intermediate | On-chain smart contract execution |
+| Counter Contract | Advanced | Deploy and interact with a custom smart contract |
+| Contract verification | Advanced | Deploy and verify contracts on-chain |
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+**Compilation fails:**
+- Refresh the page and try again
+- Check browser console for errors
+- Ensure your script has no syntax errors
+
+**Transaction not appearing:**
+- Click the Miden Wallet extension icon to trigger signing
+- Check the **History** tab and retry consumption if needed
+- Network may be congested — wait a few minutes
+
+**Proof generation fails:**
+- Go to **History** tab
+- Find the failed transaction
+- Click **Consume** to retry
+
+## Next Steps
+
+- Explore the [Counter Contract tutorial](./web-client/counter_contract_tutorial.md) for a deeper dive into smart contracts
+- Learn about [Note Scripts](./web-client/mint_consume_create_tutorial.md) 
+- Join the [Miden Telegram](https://t.me/BuildOnMiden/1) community
+