Build and Deploy Smart Contracts on the Avalanche Network

The rise of Web3 has accelerated the development of high-performance blockchains that prioritize speed, security, and decentralization. Among these, Avalanche stands out as a scalable ecosystem for enterprise blockchain solutions and decentralized applications (dApps).

In this guide, you’ll learn how to:

• Configure Avalanche on MetaMask
• Fund a C-Chain address
• Develop and deploy an ERC-20 smart contract
• Verify deployments using Snowtrace

What Is Avalanche?

Avalanche is an open-source platform designed for enterprise-grade blockchain deployments and dApps. Known for its near-instant transaction finality, it supports Solidity, making it compatible with Ethereum developers.

Key Components of Avalanche

Avalanche consists of three blockchains:

• X-Chain: Manages asset creation and transfers.
• P-Chain: Coordinates validators and Subnets.
• C-Chain: Hosts smart contracts (EVM-compatible).

All three are secured by the Primary Network, requiring validators to stake at least 2,000 AVAX.

Prerequisites

1. Set Up Avalanche on MetaMask

1. Open MetaMask and click Add Network.

2. Enter the following details for the FUJI Testnet:

   • Network Name: Avalanche FUJI C-Chain
   • RPC URL: https://api.avax-test.network/ext/bc/C/rpc
   • ChainID: 43113
   • Symbol: AVAX
   • Block Explorer: testnet.snowtrace.io

👉 Detailed MetaMask setup guide

2. Fund Your C-Chain Address

• Use the Avalanche Faucet to request testnet AVAX.

Building an ERC-20 Smart Contract

Step 1: Create the Contract

1. Open Remix IDE.
2. Create a file named FancyToken.sol and paste this code:

// SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT
pragma solidity ^0.8.4;
import "@openzeppelin/contracts/token/ERC20/ERC20.sol";
import "@openzeppelin/contracts/access/Ownable.sol";

contract FancyToken is ERC20, Ownable {
  constructor() ERC20("FancyToken", "FT") {
    _mint(msg.sender, 1000 * 10 ** decimals());
  }
  function mint(address to, uint256 amount) public onlyOwner {
    _mint(to, amount);
  }
}

Step 2: Compile and Deploy

1. Compile the contract in Remix.
2. Select Injected Provider - MetaMask and deploy to the FUJI Testnet.

Verifying the Deployment

1. Navigate to Snowtrace Testnet.
2. Paste your contract address to view transaction details.

👉 Example deployment on Snowtrace

FAQ

Q1: How do I get testnet AVAX?

A: Use the Avalanche Faucet.

Q2: Is Avalanche compatible with Ethereum tools?

A: Yes! Avalanche’s C-Chain supports Solidity and MetaMask.

Q3: What’s the gas fee on Avalanche?

A: Fees are typically lower than Ethereum’s.

Conclusion

You’ve now:

• Configured Avalanche on MetaMask
• Deployed an ERC-20 contract
• Verified it on Snowtrace

For further reading, explore Avalanche’s official docs.

Happy building! 🚀