In the Ethereum blockchain setting, the forking of Ethereum Mainnet is a common practice. It basically involves developing a local copy of an Ethereum Mainnet. This is done for development as well as testing purposes. Hardhat is one of the most popular tools among developers when they fork Ethereum Mainnet.
If you are not familiar with the concept of Ethereum forking, now is the perfect time to learn about it. As a blockchain developer you will have to fork Ethereum Mainnet for testing robust smart contracts. Let us see what steps are involved when it comes to forking Ethereum Mainnet.
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Steps Involved in Forking Ethereum Mainnet?
Are you wondering – ‘What is fork in Ethereum?’ The answer to the question is simple. Ethereum forking is the practice that enables blockchain developers to have a controlled environment where they can test smart contracts. Furthermore, it also allows them to test interactions along with other complex operations that take place within blockchain. By following the simple steps mentioned below, you can fork Ethereum Mainnet with Hardhat.
Step 1 – Set up a Hardhat Project
The first step that you must take in order to fork Ethereum Mainnet involves setting up a Hardhat project. You must follow a series of sub-steps to advance in step 1.
- Sub-step 1 – Firstly, you need to develop a directory where you will be able to instantiate the particular Hardhat project.
- Sub-step 2 – Then you need to install the Hardhat tool. This can be done with the help of ‘npm’ in the terminal.
- Sub-step 3 – Next you need to run the tool. You must bear in mind that you must run Hardhat in the same directory where it has been installed.
- Sub-step 4 – In order to complete step 1 you now need to choose from the options that are given in the terminal. You have the option to either a JavaScript project or a Typescript project.
Step 2 – Creating Remote Procedure Call (RCP) Endpoint
In order to fork Mainnet Hardhat, you need to shift your attention towards creating RCP endpoint. You need to note that to fork Ethereum Mainnet you should be able to connect to an archive node. You have the option to choose either Quicknode, Alchemy or Infura for this purpose. This step is crucial for creating an Ethereum endpoint. You can choose out of the given options depending on your familiarity with them. The purpose of this step is to get an API key from the chosen RPC providers.
Step 2 – Forking the network
Once you are done with step 2, it is time to fork the network. For doing this you can follow the below sub-steps.
- Sub-step 1 – You need to install dotenv. It is a fundamental process without which you cannot progress any further.
- Sub-step 2 – Next, you need to create a .env file. This file has to be created in the root of the Hardhat project.
- Sub-step 3 – Once you are done with the above procedures, it is time to make modifications in the hardhat.configure.js file. The modification is essential to ensure that a new network can be added.
- Sub-step 4 – Ultimately, you need to enter the appropriate command in the terminal for starting Hardhat node.
By following these steps, you can successfully and efficiently fork Ethereum Mainnet by using Hardhat in the local development network. After Ethereum forking is completed, you will be able to explore extra functionalities using Hardhat. Some of the extra functionalities are deployment of smart contracts and impersonation of mainnet accounts. As a blockchain professional you need to familiarize yourself with the steps and sub-steps that are involved in forking Ethereum Mainnet.
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Role of Hardhat in Forking Ethereum Mainnet
The use of Hardhat can certainly simplify the process of Ethereum forking for blockchain developers. You must use Hardhat since it can act as the one-stop solution that will help you perfectly simulate an Ethereum environment in the local context. By using Hardhat, it is possible to stimulate diverse operations that take place within blockchain networks, including complex ones. That’s not all! The utilization of Hardhat is key for blockchain professionals since it can also aid in developing smart contracts.
Hence Hardhat can serve as the ideal tool for compiling, testing, debugging, as well as deploying smart contracts. By leveraging Hardhat, your journey in forking Ethereum Mainnet can certainly get simpler and easier. Some of the main advantages of choosing Hardhat tools for forking Ethereum Mainnet are:
- The Hardhat network will help you to easily impersonate any address. As a result, you will be able to send transactions even if you do not have the requisite private key.
- You have the option to customize the behavior of Hardhat network. This can ensure that your specific needs and requirements are met while testing smart contracts.
- You can easily replicate the state of the Mainnet without having an adverse impact on the actual network.
The use of Hardhat can give rise to a host of possibilities for blockchain professionals while forking Ethereum Mainnet. In the dynamic blockchain realm, you can capitalize on the core capabilities and attributes of Hardhat to strengthen smart contracts.
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Need to Fork Ethereum Mainnet
Now that you are aware of the steps to fork Ethereum Mainnet, you may be wondering why you need to do it. It is a valid question that needs to be answered. Some of the main reasons for forking Ethereum Mainnet include:
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Creation of a controlled testing environment
In the blockchain realm, testing is one of the most critical processes. In fact, without conducting the necessary testing it is not possible to deploy smart contracts. Developers can fork Mainnet Hardhat in order to have in place a blockchain environment that perfectly emulates the actual environment. That’s not all! In the simulated environment they can have complete control that can aid in testing. Hence it serves as a highly cost-efficient testing process which does not involve any transaction costs.
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Better level of Security
Performing in-depth testing of smart contracts is essential to improve the security aspects. By testing new smart contracts against existing contracts and protocols you can identify vulnerabilities. Therefore, you can check for security loopholes without risking actual funds.
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Improved Development workflow
The importance of testing in the blockchain arena cannot be overemphasized. By testing as well as debugging smart contracts by forking Ethereum Mainnet you can strengthen the development workflow. It can add value by automating the testing process and iterating efficiently on code without having to face live network challenges.
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Ability to manipulate signers
By forking Mainnet with Hardhat blockchain professionals can manipulate signers. Hence, they do not have to rely on private keys for facilitating through smart contract testing. For instance, they can impersonate addresses for the purpose of accessing control behavior. However, this can be done under specific permission scenarios.
While forking Ethereum Mainnet, you can make use of Hardhat as the ideal development environment. Since it has a diverse range of components, you will be able to engage in a broad range of activities such as editing, compiling and many more. Even if you have limited experience when it comes to forking Ethereum Mainnet, with the Hardhat tool, your experience can undoubtedly get simpler. The key components of Hardhat like Hardhat Runner, Hardhat network, Hardhat Ignition, etc. can ensure that a controlled environment is in place where you can conduct testing and other tasks without any impediments.
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Importance of Hardhat Development Environment
By forking Ethereum Mainnet with Hardhat you will be able to develop the Hardhat development environment. The role of the environment is indispensable to facilitate a diverse range of important tasks. You can leverage the environment for carrying out frequent activities and tasks such as checking codes to locate errors and running tests. Moreover, you will also be able to carry out proper interactions with smart contracts. The environment can play a catalytic role and help you meticulously check your smart contracts before deploying them in the real-life setting.
The Hardhat Development Environment can serve as the perfect platform where a blockchain developer can interact with previously deployed contracts. Such interactions are crucial to locate and understand risks and vulnerabilities that may exist. By identifying such elements, it is possible for developers to take corrective measures before the deployment of contracts in the real world. It is a critical step that can influence how smart contracts function within blockchain networks.
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Final Thoughts
The forking of Ethereum Mainnet is an integral process in the blockchain environment. By following the guide, you can systematically fork Ethereum Mainnet and test smart contracts. You will be able to save substantial costs since you do not have to bear the costs relating to live Mainnet deployment. Ethereum forking can act as the perfect way for understanding how smart contracts work on Mainnet. You can further learn how to use diverse tools such as Hardhat for forking Ethereum Mainnet.
