ELI5: How to get started on StarkNet?

Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Interested in learning more about StarkNet but have no idea where, what, how to even begin? We’ve got you covered!

StarkNet is a Layer 2 product built on top of Ethereum. It seeks to utilise validity rollups to replicate the security of Ethereum with much lower gas fees. The network is still in Alpha stage (with both Goerli testnet and Ethereum mainnet in use), but the majority of dApps (including us!) are on testnet.

The below guide focuses on usage for StarkNet Goerli on Desktop.

But first, wallet…

Argent X is a browser extension wallet on StarkNet. It is your gateway to exploring the StarkNet ecosystem and the very first step to getting started. The below guide shows you a rundown on how to download your wallet, use the testnet ETH faucet on L1, and bridge assets over to L2 StarkNet.

(Side note: We recently did an AMA with Julien, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of Argent. You can read or listen here.)

1. Ensure your computer has Chrome or Mozilla Firefox
2. Download Argent X here or directly below

• Chrome extension (highly recommended as StarkGate Alpha does not support Mozilla)
• Mozilla extension

3. Open extension, click “New Wallet” and deploy (may take a few minutes)

4. Ensure that you set up account recovery so that you are able to access your wallet in case you lose your device

5. You may switch between Goerli Testnet and Ethereum Mainnet to access both StarkNet’s testnet and mainnet

Fig 1. How the Argent Wallet interface looks.

…and now testnet tokens

It is important to acquire testnet ETH because StarkNet transactions do have a fee attached to them, and payment comes in the form of testnet ETH.

There are two ways getting testnet ETH. First is directly on L2 throught he Goerli Starknet faucet, and the other is by using an L1 faucet and bridging assets over to StarkNet.

Pt 1 covers the StarkNet Faucet:

1. Enter StarkNet Faucet
2. Input your Argent X Goerli wallet address
3. Send request and voila! funds will be deposited to your wallet in a few minutes

Fig 2. StarkNet Faucet interface

Pt 2 covers the process of acquiring testnet ETH through L1 and bridging it over through StarkNet’s native bridge, StarkGate Goerli:

1. Firstly, ensure you have added the Goerli Network onto your Metamask. If you haven’t done so, here’s a handy guide published on Crypto Stars
2. Once the network has been added, users will need a faucet to receive testnet ETH on L1. We recommend the Paradigm and Pk910 faucet (but other ones can be found online too).
   Do make sure the testnet ETH contract is added to your Metamask in order for the asset to show up in your wallet <0xB4FBF271143F4FBf7B91A5ded31805e42b2208d6>

Fig 3. Paradigm faucet to obtain testnet tokens across multiple networks

3. Finally, using StarkNet’s native bridge, StarkGate Alpha Testnet, we’ll be able to bridge wETH (amongst other assets currently supported) over to StarkNet Goerli. A friendly reminder to have enough ETH left on L1 Goerli to pay for gas!

7. With fresh testnet ETH in your Argent X wallet, you are now ready to explore what the StarkNet ecosystem has to offer! Besides the zkLend testnet, we recommend checking out the following open testnets:

• ​JediSwap​ — a permissionless AMM that enables users to swap assets and earn yield without gas
• ​Magnety​ — digital asset management protocol with hundreds of funds created
• ​Astraly​ — launchpad allowing users to invest in curated StarkNet projects
• ​Starkswap​ — next generation DeFi powered by public ZK-Rollup technology.
• Brine Finance — trustless, gasless, fast & low fee orderbook cross-chain exchange

About zkLend

zkLend is an L2 money-market protocol built on StarkNet, combining zk-rollup scalability, superior transaction speed, and cost-savings with Ethereum’s security. The protocol offers a dual solution: a permissioned and compliance-focused solution for institutional clients, and a permissionless service for DeFi users — all without sacrificing decentralisation.

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