Skip to main content

Using Hardhat to Deploy Smart Contracts

This tutorial will guide you through the process of deploying a smart contract on Status Network testnet using Hardhat, Hardhat Ignition, and TypeScript.

Prerequisites​

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

  • Node.js and npm: Download and install from the official Node.js website
  • Ethereum Wallet: MetaMask or another wallet with a private key for Status Network testnet
  • Testnet ETH: You'll need Status Network testnet ETH
    • Get Status Network testnet ETH from our Faucet
  • Basic Knowledge: Familiarity with Solidity, Hardhat, and command line

What You'll Accomplish​

  • Initialize a TypeScript-based Hardhat project
  • Write a basic Ethereum smart contract
  • Configure Hardhat for Status Network testnet deployment
  • Deploy your smart contract using Hardhat Ignition

Steps​

1. Initialize a Hardhat TypeScript Project​

First, create and set up your project:

mkdir my-hardhat-project && cd my-hardhat-project
npm init -y
npm install --save-dev hardhat @nomicfoundation/hardhat-toolbox dotenv
npx hardhat init

When prompted, select "Create a TypeScript project" to set up a TypeScript-based Hardhat project.

Set up your environment variables:

# Create a .env file
touch .env

# Add your private key (never commit this file!)
echo "PRIVATE_KEY=your_private_key_here" >> .env

2. Writing the Smart Contract​

Create contracts/HelloWorld.sol:

// SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT
pragma solidity ^0.8.24;

contract HelloWorld {
    string public greet = "Hello, Status Network!";

    function setGreet(string memory _greet) public {
        greet = _greet;
    }

    function getGreet() public view returns (string memory) {
        return greet;
    }
}

3. Configuring Hardhat for Status Network​

Update hardhat.config.ts:

import { HardhatUserConfig } from "hardhat/config";
import "@nomicfoundation/hardhat-toolbox";
import * as dotenv from "dotenv";

dotenv.config();

const PRIVATE_KEY = process.env.PRIVATE_KEY || "";

const config: HardhatUserConfig = {
  solidity: "0.8.24",
  networks: {
    statusTestnet: {
      url: "https://public.sepolia.rpc.status.network",
      chainId: 1660990954,
      accounts: [PRIVATE_KEY],
    },
  },
};

export default config;

4. Create Ignition Deployment Module​

Create ignition/modules/HelloWorld.ts:

import { buildModule } from "@nomicfoundation/hardhat-ignition/modules";

export default buildModule("HelloWorld", (m) => {
  const helloWorld = m.contract("HelloWorld");
  
  return { helloWorld };
});

5. Deploy the Contract​

npx hardhat compile
npx hardhat ignition deploy ignition/modules/HelloWorld.ts --network statusTestnet

The deployment will create a new directory ignition/deployments containing your deployment artifacts and history.

7. Interact with Your Contract​

Create scripts/interact.ts:

import { ethers } from "hardhat";
import { HelloWorld } from "../typechain-types";

async function main() {
  const contractAddress = "0x0d8a93870494Fa21ec39602f31Aa67C9Fed5604f";
  const HelloWorld = await ethers.getContractFactory("HelloWorld");
  const contract = HelloWorld.attach(contractAddress) as HelloWorld;

  // Read current greeting
  const greeting = await contract.getGreet();
  console.log("Current greeting:", greeting);

  // Update greeting
  const tx = await contract.setGreet("Hello from Status Network!");
  await tx.wait();
  console.log("Greeting updated!");

  // Read updated greeting
  const newGreeting = await contract.getGreet();
  console.log("New greeting:", newGreeting);
}

main().catch((error) => {
  console.error(error);
  process.exitCode = 1;
});

Run the interaction script:

npx hardhat run scripts/interact.ts --network statusTestnet

Support​

If you encounter any issues: