# Using Hardhat

There are a few technical requirements before we start. Please install the following:

* [Node.js v10+ LTS and npm](https://nodejs.org/en/) (comes with Node)
* [Git](https://git-scm.com/)

Once we have those installed, To install **Hardhat**, you need to create an npm project by going to an empty folder, running npm init, and following its instructions. Once your project is ready, you should run

```
$ npm install --save-dev hardhat
```

To create your Hardhat project run `npx hardhat` in your project folder Let’s create the sample project and go through these steps to try out the sample task and compile, test and deploy the sample contract.

The sample project will ask you to install hardhat-waffle and hardhat-ethers.You can learn more about it [in this guide](https://hardhat.org/getting-started/#quick-start)

### **Hardhat-config** <a href="#hardhat-config" id="hardhat-config"></a>

* Go to hardhat.config.js
* Update the hardhat-config with SliceLedger-network-credentials
* Create .env file in the root to store your private key
* Add SliceLedgerscan API key to .env file to verify the contract on SliceLedgerscan. You can generate an API key by creating an account

```
require('dotenv').config();
require("@nomiclabs/hardhat-ethers");
require("@nomiclabs/hardhat-etherscan");

module.exports = {
  defaultNetwork: "SliceLedger",
  networks: {
    hardhat: {
    },
    SliceLedger: {
      url: "https://test-slice-rpc.com/",
      accounts: [process.env.PRIVATE_KEY]
    }
  },
  solidity: {
    version: "0.8.3",
    settings: {
      optimizer: {
        enabled: true,
        runs: 200
      }
    }
  },
}
```

Make sure to update the Solidity compiler version here based on what is required in your contract(s).

### **Compile Smart contract file**

```
$ npx hardhat compile
```

### **Deploying on** SliceLedger **Network**

Run this command in root of the project directory:

```
$ npx hardhat run scripts/sample-script.js --network SliceLedger
```

Contract will be deployed on **SliceLedger Chain Testnet**, it look like this:

```
Compilation finished successfully
Greeter deployed to: 0xF0B2F5AbE5A52B5BF85B2320A730D1Ed714c1af3
```

> Remember your address would differ, Above is just to provide an idea of structure. **Congratulations!** You have successfully deployed Smart Contract. Now you can interact with the Smart Contract.

You can check the deployment status here: <https://testnet-slicescan.io/>