MetaMask is a self-custodial wallet provider supporting transactions in web3. It's how you interact with the blockchain from inside your web browser (including to check token balances in your account)
What are Wallets?
Key manager used to manage your cryptocurrencies or tokens
Authorize transactions and interact with web pages or decentralized applications
Subscribe to messages demonstrating that you own a wallet address
Never share your private keys, or mnemonic phrase. If someone has your private key, they are able to perform transactions on your behalf; to include spending your tokens.
What is MetaMask?
MetaMask is a self-custodial wallet provider supporting transactions in web3. It's how you interact with the blockchain from inside your web browser (including to check token balances in your account)
Available as a browser extension and as a mobile app, MetaMask equips you with a key vault, secure login, token wallet, and token exchange—everything you need to manage your digital assets.
Download MetaMask shown in the upper right hand corner of the screen
Select the option to download the browser extension
Chrome Metamask Extension Highlighted
You will be redirected to the Chrome browser webstore where the extension can be added to your browser
Chrome Web Store
You will need to Accept the MetaMask Permissions and Add the extension
MetaMask Extension Permissions Popup
Once downloaded and installed you will see the MetaMask Fox Logo in your extensions popup
Metamask extension
If you want to add MetaMask to always be visible, click the Pin Icon to the left of the Kabab Button. This will make MetaMask easily accessible for the rest of the exercise. You can toggle this off if you want to revert it later
If you already have a Wallet (private key or mnemonic phrase) you can Import an Existing Wallet. Otherwise we will be creating a new wallet for this exercise
Selecting Permissions and Creating New Wallet
Note: While you should not be using your main wallet for this exercise, or while you are learning, you are able to connect a hardware (cold storage) wallet to MetaMask by Following the tutorial found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI2NpkiUKsQ
Agree to the Terms and Conditions of MetaMask
Create a password for MetaMask
The password created here is to unlock this extension in your browser. This password is not the Mnemonic Phrase to your wallet or your private key. We will retrieve those in the next steps.
Reveal your mnemonic phrase
Record your Mnemonic
Record your Mnemonic phrase in a secret, safe, and dry place.
Your wallet is now setup. You can switch which blockchain (defaulting to mainnet ethereum) you are on.
Account Overview screen and Mainnet Ethereum Selected
Select the checkbox labeled Include Testnets
Add in the test chains we will be using for the workshop by going to chainlist.org
Select the following chains to add to your wallet chain references by typing in the name of the chain in the search bar, and then selecting add chain on the left side of the page.
Avalanche Fuji Testnet
Mumbai
Testnet and Faucets
In blockchain technology, a testnet is an instance of a blockchain powered by the same or a newer version of the underlying software, to be used for testing and experimentation without risk to real funds or the main chain. Testnet coins are separate and distinct from the official (mainnet) coins, don't have value, and can be obtained freely from faucets.
