HOW TO USE MOONBEAM

Moonbeam is a smart contract platform for cross-platform apps on Polkadot. This unique platform perfectly connects the worlds of Polkadot and Ethereum, providing developers with an unrivaled opportunity to easily construct and redeploy projects. 

In this article, we will dive into Moonbeam Network, investigating its features, benefits, and utility for the crypto community.

What is Moonbeam Network?

Moonbeam

Moonbeam Network is a pioneering smart contract para chain founded in 2019 by technology entrepreneur Derek Yoo. This platform is creating a new standard for decentralized interoperability in the crypto industry.

Moonbeam was founded with the goal of facilitating seamless compatibility between blockchain heavyweights Polkadot and Ethereum. It provides developers with an innovative platform for easily launching and transferring decentralized applications (dApps).

The compatibility of Moonbeam with Ethereum allows developers to use familiar Solidity smart contracts without any reconfiguration. Moonbeam is powered by a strong proof-of-stake consensus mechanism and relies on people staking GLMR tokens to assure security.

Moonbeam

Key Features of Moonbeam Network

This is where Moonbeam comes into play.

  • Ethereum Compatibility: The smooth way that Moonbeam Network integrates with Ethereum sets it apart. Instead of having to write new code or change the configuration of their current Solidity smart contracts, developers can quickly transfer them to Moonbeam.

  • Native Token GLMR: Moonbeam introduces GLMR, a native token that can be used for a variety of network-wide transactions. In addition to paying transaction fees and facilitating staking, GLMR is essential to governance.

  • Cross-Blockchain Asset Transfer: The sharded architecture of Moonbeam makes it possible to move digital assets securely between different blockchains, including well-known cryptocurrencies like ETH and BTC.

  • Developer-Friendly Environment: Moonbeam is primarily intended for use by dApp developers. It provides a wide range of development tools, including well-known options like Metamask and Waffle. In addition to Solidity, the parachain supports a number of EVM bytecode languages, including Vyper, Javascript, and Flint.

  • Low Transaction Costs: With transaction fees of approximately 0.01-0.03 GLMR, Moonbeam offers exceptionally low user charges, making it an appealing candidate for dApp adoption.

  • High Scalability: Moonbeam Network is known for its high scalability, which allows it to process a large number of transactions efficiently. Moonbeam provides great scalability by leveraging a sharded design and Polkadot's infrastructure, making it well-suited for addressing the expanding demands of decentralized apps and conducting cross-chain asset transfers on an amazing scale.

  • Chainlink and The Graph Integration: Moonbeam includes connections with widely used infrastructure services such as Chainlink and The Graph. This simplifies the incorporation of real-world data and the development of more powerful decentralized applications.

  • Interoperability with Polkadot Ecosystem: Moonbeam benefits from Polkadot's interoperability framework because it is a parachain in the Polkadot ecosystem. It can communicate and share data with other parachains on the Polkadot network, enabling a rich environment for cross-chain interactions.

  • Oracles Support: Moonbeam enables the use of Oracles, which are off-chain data sources. These Oracles allow developers to retrieve external data and store it on the blockchain, hence improving the usefulness of dApps.

  • Community Governance: Moonbeam has a community governance structure in place where token holders can stake their GLMR tokens to influence the network's development and decision-making processes. This decentralized governance strategy ensures that the project progresses in accordance with the wishes of the community.

  • High Transaction Throughput: Moonbeam is built for high transaction throughput, with a capability of more than 10,000 transactions per second (tps), greatly above Ethereum's 15 tps. This scalability is critical in order to accommodate a growing ecosystem of dApps and users.

  • Test Network (Moonriver): Moonriver is a dedicated test network for Moonbeam. This enables developers to test and validate their dApps in real-world economic conditions before releasing them on the main Moonbeam network, improving security and reliability.


How to Use Moonbeam

We will lead you through the process of linking your MetaMask wallet to Moonbeam Network in this comprehensive guide. With the help of this integration, you can easily use the GLMR coin, access the Moonbeam blockchain, and engage with decentralized applications (dApps).

Step 1. Install MetaMask: If you don't already have MetaMask installed, you can download it from the Chrome Web Store. Refer to the official Getting Started with MetaMask tutorial given by MetaMask's documentation for installation assistance. After installing MetaMask, go through their account creation wizard. Make sure you keep your mnemonic (seed phrase) safe and don't share it with anyone.
Moonbeam
Step 2. Access Your Moonbeam Address: After finishing the MetaMask configuration, your Moonbeam address will be displayed at the top of the MetaMask extension window. This address will be required for the Moonbeam Network to transfer, receive, and manage GLMR coins.
Step 3. Connect to Moonbeam Network: Now that your MetaMask wallet is complete, connect to Moonbeam by adding it as a network.

In the MetaMask extension box, select the network option from the dropdown menu. This is normally in the upper left or upper right area of your browser. 

Choose "Add Network" from the selection list. This operation will prompt you to configure the network settings for Moonbeam.

Fill in the following network configurations for Moonbeam:


  • Network Name: Moonbeam
  • RPC URL: https://rpc.api.moonbeam.network
  • Chain ID: 1284 (hex: 0x504)
  • Symbol (optional): GLMR
  • Block Explorer (optional): https://moonscan.io/


After filling up these fields, click "Save." This step will connect your MetaMask wallet to the Moonbeam Network automatically.

Congratulations. You have successfully added Moonbeam as a network to your MetaMask wallet and connected to it. You may now utilize your MetaMask wallet to manage your GLMR tokens, connect with Moonbeam dApps, and learn more about the Moonbeam ecosystem.


Step-By-Step Guide How to Use Moonbeam

Now, follow these steps to start using this extension.

Step 1. Install MetaMask: Install the MetaMask browser extension if you haven't already, then follow the setup steps to create or import an Ethereum wallet.
Step 2. Fund Your Wallet: You will need Ethereum (ETH) to communicate with the Moonbeam network, pay transaction fees, and interact with Moonbeam-based assets. Make sure you have enough ETH in your MetaMask wallet.
Step 3. Get DEV Tokens (Testnet): You require DEV tokens in order to deploy and work with smart contracts on the Moonbeam testnet. By entering the Moonbeam testnet address from your MetaMask, you can obtain these tokens via the Moonbeam Faucet.
Step 4. Develop Your DApp: Use Solidity, Rust, or any appropriate language to create your decentralized application (DApp). For development, you can make use of tools like Truffle or Remix.
Step 5. Deploy Your Smart Contract: Your smart contract can be deployed to the Moonbeam network using Truffle or another development tool. Be sure you have DEV tokens available in your wallet so you can cover deployment costs.
Step 6. Interact with Your DApp: Once your smart contract is activated, you can interact with it on the Moonbeam network exactly as you would on the Ethereum network by using your MetaMask wallet.
Step 7. Monitor and Test: To keep tabs on the development of your DApp and check its operation, use the block explorer on Moonbeam or other monitoring tools.
Step 8. Deploy to Mainnet: You can launch your DApp using actual GLMR tokens on the Moonbeam mainnet if you're happy with how it performed on the Moonbeam testnet. Since your DApp will be using actual cryptocurrency, use caution and properly test it before releasing it to the main net. This manual covers the fundamentals of utilizing Moonbeam, although the details may change depending on the specifications of your project and the development tools you choose.

Moonbeam Network Use Cases

Moonbeam

Decentralized Finance (DeFi): You can access Decentralized Finance (DeFi) platforms and services by connecting your MetaMask wallet to the Moonbeam blockchain. This covers chances for loans, borrowing, and yield farming.

Token Transfers: On the Moonbeam Network, you can send and receive GLMR tokens or other assets using your Moonbeam address, taking advantage of quick and affordable transactions.

Creating and Interacting with dApps: Your MetaMask wallet offers a safe and convenient interface for interacting with the numerous dApps that Moonbeam supports. Participate in numerous activities including gaming, NFT trading, and more by exploring the dApp ecosystem on Moonbeam.

Smart Contract Development: Smart contracts can be tested and deployed using Moonbeam's Ethereum-compatible environment. Throughout the development process, MetaMask is a useful tool for testing and interacting with these contracts.


Collaboration with Other Tools

Beyond MetaMask, Moonbeam is compatible with other Ethereum tools. Other well-known Ethereum development tools like Remix, Hardhat, Waffle, and Truffle can also be used by developers for collaboration.

The creation and deployment of dApps and smart contracts on the Moonbeam Network is made easier by these tools' seamless integration with Moonbeam.

You may open up a world of opportunities for decentralized applications and blockchain development within the Moonbeam ecosystem by connecting your MetaMask wallet to Moonbeam and using these Ethereum-compatible tools.

Enjoy the advantages of scalability, low transaction costs, and cross-chain interoperability while discovering Moonbeam Network's cutting-edge capabilities.


Conclusion

Moonbeam shines as a beacon of innovation and accessibility in the constantly changing world of blockchain and decentralized applications. By bridging the gap between networks and providing seamless interoperability with Ethereum, Moonbeam enables developers to easily transfer their apps. 

It serves as a flexible platform for decentralized applications thanks to its EVM compatibility and connection with Web3 technologies. This platform makes blockchain development accessible to everyone by enabling quick connections between MetaMask and Moonbeam as well as minimal gas fees and quick transaction speeds.

Moonbeam offers the tools and infrastructure you need to succeed, whether you're an experienced developer trying to broaden your reach or a beginner eager to enter the blockchain world. Begin your adventure of limitless possibility by becoming a member of the Moonbeam community today.


FAQs About Moonbeam

Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions regarding Moonbeam.

What type of tool is Moonbeam?

How to use Moonbeam for free?

Is Moonbeam free or do you have to pay for it?

Is Moonbeam available on mobile?

How do you log into Moonbeam?

What is the Moonbeam blockchain's native cryptocurrency?