> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.xspaceprotocol.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.xspaceprotocol.io/getting-started/developer-docs/setting-up.md).

# Setting Up

#### **Setting Up Your Development Environment**

To start developing on the **XSPACE Protocol**, you need to set up a development environment tailored to interact with the blockchain, deploy smart contracts, and build decentralized applications (dApps). This guide covers the prerequisites, installation steps, and how to connect to the **XSPACE Testnet** for development.

***

### **Prerequisites**

#### **1. Tools and Technologies**

* **Operating System:** Windows, macOS, or Linux.
* **Programming Languages:**
  * **Solidity**: For smart contract development.
  * **JavaScript/TypeScript**: For dApp frontends and blockchain interactions.
* **Development Frameworks:**
  * **Hardhat** (Recommended): A popular Ethereum-compatible development environment.
  * **Truffle**: An alternative for contract compilation, testing, and deployment.
* **Node.js and npm:** Required for managing dependencies and running JavaScript-based tools.

#### **2. Knowledge Requirements**

* Basic understanding of blockchain concepts (e.g., transactions, wallets, smart contracts).
* Familiarity with Ethereum-compatible development tools like Web3.js or Ethers.js.

***

### **Installation Guide**

#### **Step 1: Install Node.js and npm**

Node.js is essential for running JavaScript tools and interacting with blockchain APIs.

1. Check if Node.js is installed:

   ```bash
   node -v
   npm -v
   ```
2. If not installed, download and install Node.js:
   * Visit the [Node.js website](https://nodejs.org/) and download the **LTS version**.
3. Verify installation:

   ```bash
   node -v
   npm -v
   ```

***

#### **Step 2: Install Hardhat**

Hardhat is the recommended tool for developing, testing, and deploying smart contracts on XSPACE.

1. Create a project directory:

   ```bash
   mkdir xspace-dev && cd xspace-dev
   ```
2. Initialize a new Node.js project:

   ```bash
   npm init -y
   ```
3. Install Hardhat:

   ```bash
   npm install --save-dev hardhat
   ```
4. Create a new Hardhat project:

   ```bash
   npx hardhat
   ```

   * Choose **"Create a basic sample project"** when prompted.

***

#### **Step 3: Install XSPACE CLI**

The **XSPACE CLI** is a command-line tool for interacting with the blockchain, managing accounts, and deploying smart contracts.

1. Install globally using npm:

   ```bash
   npm install -g xspace-cli
   ```
2. Verify the installation:

   ```bash
   xspace --version
   ```

***

#### **Step 4: Install Wallet**

You’ll need a wallet to manage GLXYC tokens and interact with smart contracts:

* Recommended: **Metamask** (browser extension or mobile app).

1. Install Metamask from [https://metamask.io](https://metamask.io/).
2. Configure Metamask to connect to the **XSPACE Testnet** (details below).

***

### **Connecting to the XSPACE Testnet**

The **XSPACE Testnet** allows developers to test smart contracts, transactions, and applications in a sandbox environment without using real GLXYC tokens.

#### **Testnet Configuration**

1. **RPC URL:** `https://testnet.xspaceprotocol.io/rpc`
2. **Chain ID:** `80001`
3. **Currency Symbol:** `GLXYC`
4. **Explorer URL:** [https://testnet-explorer.xspaceprotocol.io](https://testnet-explorer.xspace.io/)

***

#### **Step 1: Add the Testnet to Metamask**

1. Open Metamask and go to **Settings > Networks > Add Network**.
2. Enter the following details:
   * **Network Name:** XSPACE Testnet
   * **RPC URL:** `https://testnet.xspaceprotocol.io/rpc`
   * **Chain ID:** `80001`
   * **Symbol:** `GLXYC`
   * **Explorer:** [https://testnet-explorer.xspaceprotocol.io](https://testnet-explorer.xspace.io/)

***

#### **Step 2: Get Testnet GLXYC Tokens**

1. Visit the **Testnet Faucet** to request free GLXYC tokens for testing:\
   [https://testnet-faucet.xspaceprotocol.io](https://testnet-faucet.xspace.io/).
2. Enter your wallet address and request tokens.

***

#### **Step 3: Configure Hardhat for XSPACE Testnet**

Update the `hardhat.config.js` file to include the XSPACE Testnet configuration:

```javascript
require("@nomiclabs/hardhat-waffle");

module.exports = {
  solidity: "0.8.0",
  networks: {
    xspaceTestnet: {
      url: "https://testnet.xspaceprotocol.io/rpc",
      chainId: 80001,
      accounts: ["YOUR_PRIVATE_KEY"]
    }
  }
};
```

Replace `"YOUR_PRIVATE_KEY"` with the private key of your wallet.

***

#### **Step 4: Deploy a Smart Contract**

1. Create a new Solidity contract in the `contracts` folder, e.g., `HelloXSPACE.sol`:

   ```solidity
   pragma solidity ^0.8.0;

   contract HelloXSPACE {
       string public message = "Hello, XSPACE!";
   }
   ```
2. Write a deployment script in the `scripts` folder, e.g., `deploy.js`:

   ```javascript
   async function main() {
       const HelloXSPACE = await ethers.getContractFactory("HelloXSPACE");
       const contract = await HelloXSPACE.deploy();
       console.log("Contract deployed to:", contract.address);
   }
   main().catch((error) => {
       console.error(error);
       process.exitCode = 1;
   });
   ```
3. Deploy the contract:

   ```bash
   npx hardhat run scripts/deploy.js --network xspaceTestnet
   ```
4. Verify deployment:
   * Check the contract address in the **XSPACE Testnet Explorer**.

***

#### **Step 5: Interact with the Contract**

Use Hardhat to call functions in your deployed contract:

1. Open a Node.js REPL:

   ```bash
   npx hardhat console --network xspaceTestnet
   ```
2. Load your contract:

   ```javascript
   const contract = await ethers.getContractAt("HelloXSPACE", "DEPLOYED_CONTRACT_ADDRESS");
   const message = await contract.message();
   console.log(message); // Outputs: Hello, XSPACE!
   ```

***

#### **Next Steps**

* Experiment with deploying and interacting with more complex smart contracts.
* Build dApps using Web3.js or Ethers.js to connect to the XSPACE blockchain.
* Explore staking, tokenization, and DeFi integrations using the XSPACE CLI and SDK.

This comprehensive setup ensures you’re ready to start building on XSPACE.