Setting up a Metamask Wallet
In this section, you will learn how to set up a Metamask wallet and how to configure it for use with the Quick Start section.
We recommend using Metamask as your Web3 wallet.
Metamask is a browser plugin that lets you make Ethereum (and other blockchains) transactions through regular websites.
This guide focuses on a Chrome extension. However, the process is similar for all browsers.
Getting started
Visit the Metamask homepage and download the browser extension. Once it is downloaded, you should be automatically directed to a welcome page:
Setup your Metamask account following the instructions.
Once your Metamask setup is complete, you should be redirected to your newly created Ethereum wallet:
If you have made it this far, congratulations 🎉.
Account address
If you click on the "three dots" button below your account name - in our case Account 1 - a popup will appear with your account address. It should look similar to the example below:
0x931D387731bBbC988B312206c74F77D004D6B84b
This is your public address (or public key). You can share this with other people to receive ETH or other tokens.
Selected networks
In the top right you should see a dropdown menu with Main Ethereum Network selected. With this option, you are able to interact directly with the main Ethereum blockchain.
If you click on it, a selection of other networks will be shown:
Why should you select other networks?
Before launching a project (or dapp) on the main Ethereum network, it is good practice to deploy a version to an Ethereum test network (like Rinkeby) or on other main networks (like Polygon or Harmony) with low-cost fees to save on costs for transaction fees.
The benefits of using a test net
The main reason for using a test net ETH is that it can be obtained without having to pay real money. This gives developers and the community a chance to iron out any problems before real money is involved.
There are four test nets:
Ropsten
Kovan
Rinkeby
Goerli
At this stage don't worry about the differences between these networks. All you need to know is that they simulate Ethereum and can be used without having to pay real money.
Using private networks
Finally, you can also interact with private Ethereum networks by selecting Localhost 8545. Private in this case doesn't mean more secure. It just means that the nodes are not connected to the main or test network nodes. Perfect for rapid experimentation and testing.
Remember that if you want to use different networks, you need to set up your wallet and load your wallet with enough funds for paying the transaction fees.
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