Guide: Enter the GR1D Testnet

Alright, welcome to the GR1D Testnet! If you’re looking to get hands-on with GR1D’s L2 solution, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re deploying smart contracts, testing cross-chain functionality, or simply exploring the GR1D environment, this guide will get you connected and building in no time.

1. Setting Up Your Dev Environment

First things first—you’ll want to set up your development environment to interact with the GR1D Testnet. If you’re familiar with tools like MetaMask, Hardhat, or Truffle, you’re already halfway there. Here’s the lowdown:

Step 1: Add GR1D Testnet to MetaMask

1. Fire up MetaMask and go to the network dropdown.

2. Click "Add Network" and fill in the following details:

   • Network Name: GR1D Testnet

   • New RPC URL: https://rpc-123420000418.raas-testnet.gelato.digital

   • Chain ID: 123420000418

   • Currency Symbol: ETH (we’re using Sepolia ETH here)

   • Block Explorer URL: https://explorer-testnet.gr1d.network/

3. Save it, and boom—you’re connected to the GR1D Testnet via MetaMask.

Step 2: Configuring Hardhat or Truffle

Now, for the real fun—getting your smart contracts ready. We’ll set up either Hardhat or Truffle to deploy on the GR1D Testnet.

Hardhat Configuration

In your hardhat.config.js, plug in the following:

module.exports = {
  networks: {
    gr1dTestnet: {
      url: "https://rpc-123420000418.raas-testnet.gelato.digital",
      accounts: [`0x${YOUR_PRIVATE_KEY}`], // Replace with your private key, keep it safe!
      chainId: 123420000418,
      gas: "auto",
      gasPrice: "auto",
    },
  },
  solidity: "0.8.26", // Make sure this matches your contracts
};

To deploy your contracts:

npx hardhat run scripts/deploy.js --network gr1dTestnet

Truffle Configuration

Update your truffle-config.js to include:

module.exports = {
  networks: {
    gr1dTestnet: {
      provider: () => new HDWalletProvider("YOUR_MNEMONIC", "https://rpc-123420000418.raas-testnet.gelato.digital"),
      network_id: 123420000418, // GR1D Testnet Chain ID
      gas: 3000000, // Adjust this based on your contract's requirements
      gasPrice: 20000000000, // 20 gwei; tweak as needed
    },
  },
  compilers: {
    solc: {
      version: "0.8.26",
    },
  },
};

Deploy with:

truffle migrate --network gr1dTestnet

2. Checking Out the GR1D Testnet Explorer

Got your contracts deployed? Need to debug a transaction? Head over to the GR1D Testnet Explorer.

It’s your go-to for viewing transactions, inspecting smart contracts, and seeing token transfers in action. If something doesn’t look right, this is where you’ll find the details.

Real-Time Event Tracking with WebSockets

For those wanting real-time updates, you can connect via the WebSocket endpoint:

• WSS URL: wss://ws-123420000418.raas-testnet.gelato.digital Perfect for monitoring on-chain events or listening for contract events like NFT mints or DeFi protocol actions.

3. Bridging Assets on the GR1D Testnet

Ready to test out cross-chain functionality? Let’s bridge some assets between Sepolia (L1) and the GR1D Testnet (L2). It’s all done through the GR1D Testnet Bridge. Here’s how you do it:

1. Connect MetaMask to the Sepolia testnet.

2. Set up the bridge with:

   • Source: Sepolia Testnet (L1)

   • Destination: GR1D Testnet (L2)

3. Choose your asset (e.g., Sepolia ETH or any ERC-20 deployed there).

4. Enter the amount and confirm the transaction.

5. Sign in MetaMask and let the bridge do its thing. You should see the assets on GR1D Testnet in a few minutes.

4. Deploying Smart Contracts

Let’s get your smart contracts live on the GR1D Testnet. It’s straightforward if you’ve deployed on Ethereum before—same tooling, just a different network.

Step 1: Write Your Contracts

Make sure your Solidity version matches the one set in your Hardhat/Truffle config (I recommend 0.8.26).

Step 2: Compile and Deploy

With Hardhat:

npx hardhat compile

npx hardhat run scripts/deploy.js --network gr1dTestnet

With Truffle:

truffle compile

truffle migrate --network gr1dTestnet

Step 3: Verify Your Deployment

Check the GR1D Testnet Explorer to make sure everything’s in place. You’ll be able to see transaction details, contract interactions, and token transfers—perfect for debugging and validating your deployments.

5. Monitoring and Managing Network Activity

Key L1 and L2 Smart Contracts

GR1D’s architecture links L1 (Sepolia) and L2 (GR1D Testnet), and you might want to interact with the key contracts:

• Batcher on L1: Batcher Contract This handles batching transactions and syncing state between L1 and L2.
• Proposer on L1: Proposer Contract Submits state roots and keeps everything consistent between the GR1D Testnet and Sepolia.

6. Best Practices for Working with the Testnet

• Use a Test Wallet: Always keep a separate wallet for testnet activity. Keeps things tidy and avoids accidental mainnet confusion.

• Test Everything: The GR1D Testnet is built for experimentation. Push the limits—bridge assets, deploy contracts, and simulate real-world scenarios.

• Use the Explorer: Don’t skip the GR1D Testnet Explorer. It’s your best friend for transaction logs, contract validation, and debugging.