Metamask: Ethers npm – Differentiating Between Mainnet and Ropsten
In the world of Ethereum, there are two main blockchains that run on top of the Ethers.js library: Mainnet and Ropsten. Each has its own unique characteristics, and understanding how to differentiate between them is crucial for building robust decentralized applications (dApps).
Mainnet vs Ropsten: Key Differences
- Block Time: The Block time on Mainnet is 15 seconds, while on Ropsten it’s 10 seconds.
- Transaction Fees: Transaction fees are lower on Ropsten due to its smaller block size and faster transaction processing times.
Ethers npm and Metamask: Allowing Payments
When developing dApps with Ethers.js, you’ll need to differentiate between the two mainchains. Here’s how you can achieve this using Metamask:
Step 1: Install MetaMask
First, install the Metamask wallet on your Ethereum network:
npm install metamask
Then, import MetaMask in your Ethers.js code and initialize it:
const { Web3 } = require('@metamask/web3');
const web3 = new Web3(new Web3.providers.HttpProvider('
const metamask = new Web3.eth.Wallet("YOUR_METAMASK_PUBLIC_KEY");
Step 2: Check Network Connection
Before making any transactions, check the network connection:
if (!metamask.isConnected()) {
console.error('Metamask not connected. Please connect first.');
}
Step 3: Allow Payment
To allow payments, you’ll need to make sure that only users who have confirmed on Mainnet can pay using Metamask:
async function makePayment() {
try {
const user = await metamask.getBalance();
if (!user || !await metamask.confirm()) {
console.error('User has not confirmed. Please confirm first.');
return;
}
// Make payment logic here...
} catch (error) {
console.error(error);
}
}
Step 4: Log Payment in Database
To log the payment in your database, you can use a library like Ethers.js itself or a custom solution:
async function makePayment() {
try {
const user = await metamask.getBalance();
if (!user || !await metamask.confirm()) {
console.error('User has not confirmed. Please confirm first.');
return;
}
// Make payment logic here...
// Log payment in database
await db.collection('payments').insertOne({
userId: user.address,
transactionHash: 'your_transaction_hash',
timestamp: new Date(),
});
} catch (error) {
console.error(error);
}
}
By following these steps, you’ll be able to differentiate between Mainnet and Ropsten in your Ethers.js application, allowing users on the latter to make payments without logging them into Metamask.