Tutorial: Connecting to Avalanche with MetaMask
Intro: Why Avalanche?
The Avalanche ecosystem attempts to address shortcomings of preceding blockchain technologies, such as centralization, scalability, and security. Most people who are end users may be interested in Avalanche because of what they can do with it: namely, it’s considered an excellent platform for decentralized finance (DeFi) tools like the Automated Market Maker (AMM) Pangolin. Currently, Avalanche has much lower gas fees than Ethereum, can perform thousands of transactions per second, and uses a Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism which is more decentralized and can be more secure than Proof-of-Work blockchains.
Section 1: The Avalanche Ecosystem
Avalanche is an open-source platform for launching decentralized applications and enterprise blockchain deployments in one interoperable, highly scalable ecosystem.
Unlike most Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) networks, Avalanche is subdivided into three distinct blockchains.
Avalanche blockchains
The X-Chain is a decentralized platform for creating and trading digital smart assets, a representation of a real-world resource.
The P-Chain is the metadata blockchain on Avalanche and coordinates validators, keeps track of active subnets, and enables the creation of new subnets.
The C-Chain is an instance of the Ethereum Virtual Machine powered by Avalanche.
Section 2: Setting up MetaMask
Metamask is supported by the Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and Edge browsers, as well as Android and IOS. If you choose to set up Metamask, visit the download page and install the appropriate package for your browser. You can create a new wallet or import an existing wallet. If using the Chrome browser, MetaMask will log in under the currently active persona. If you have any difficulty installing or setting up MetaMask, you can follow their “Getting Started” guide.
Section 3: Connecting to the Avalanche Mainnet C-Chain
If you choose to add the Avalanche network to MetaMask, open the Network menu in the upper right corner and select Custom RPC.
You can enter the Avalanche Mainnet settings as follows, after selecting Network menu item “Custom RPC”:
- Network Name: Avalanche Mainnet C-Chain
- New RPC URL: https://api.avax.network/ext/bc/C/rpc
- ChainID: 0xa86a
- Symbol: AVAX
- Block Explorer URL: https://cchain.explorer.avax.network/
You can save the settings. Your MetaMask account can now connect to the Avalanche Mainnet C-Chain. Note that your Wallet address is the same on the Avalanche Mainnet C-Chain as on the Ethereum Mainnet.
— Brian
DISCLAIMER
This document mentions various third party services and products, including Avalanche, Pangolin, MetaMask, Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge, Android, IOS, etc. (“Third Party Services”). The Third Party Services are provided by various parties, and may be subject to intellectual property rights (including trademark rights) of such parties. Please ensure that you review and understand the terms and conditions applicable to all the Third Party Services, and all risks associated with your use of such Third Party Services. You are solely responsible for using any Third Party Services and assume all risk and liability associated with such Third Party Services. You will indemnify, defend and hold Arkius harmless against any claims or losses made against us in connection with your use of the Third Party Services.
