How to Create an NFT

This tutorial will guide you through writing and deploying an ERC-721 (Non-Fungible Token) smart contract on the Ethereum blockchain using tools like Hardhat, Alchemy, and Metamask. By the end, you'll understand how to mint your own NFT without needing prior blockchain development experience.

Key Tools and Technologies

• Metamask: Browser-based Ethereum wallet for managing transactions
• Hardhat: Development environment for Ethereum software
• Alchemy: Blockchain developer platform with API access
• Solidity: Programming language for Ethereum smart contracts
• Ropsten Test Network: Ethereum test environment for development

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Setting Up Your Development Environment

1. Create an Alchemy Account
   Sign up for a free account at Alchemy to access Ethereum node infrastructure without running your own node.
2. Install Metamask
   Download the browser extension and create an account. Switch to the Ropsten Test Network for this tutorial.
3. Get Test ETH
   Use the Ropsten faucet to obtain fake ETH for testing.

2. Initializing Your Project

mkdir my-nft
cd my-nft
npm init -y
npm install --save-dev hardhat
npx hardhat

Select "Create an empty hardhat.config.js" when prompted.

3. Project Structure

Organize your folders:

mkdir contracts scripts

• contracts/: Stores smart contract code
• scripts/: Contains deployment and interaction scripts

4. Writing the Smart Contract

Create contracts/MyNFT.sol with this ERC-721 implementation:

// SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT
pragma solidity ^0.7.3;

import "@openzeppelin/contracts/token/ERC721/ERC721.sol";
import "@openzeppelin/contracts/utils/Counters.sol";
import "@openzeppelin/contracts/access/Ownable.sol";

contract MyNFT is ERC721, Ownable {
    using Counters for Counters.Counter;
    Counters.Counter private _tokenIds;

    constructor() ERC721("MyNFT", "NFT") {}

    function mintNFT(address recipient, string memory tokenURI)
        public onlyOwner
        returns (uint256)
    {
        _tokenIds.increment();
        uint256 newItemId = _tokenIds.current();
        _mint(recipient, newItemId);
        _setTokenURI(newItemId, tokenURI);
        return newItemId;
    }
}

5. Configuring the Project

Install required dependencies:

npm install @openzeppelin/contracts @nomiclabs/hardhat-ethers ethers dotenv

Update hardhat.config.js:

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

module.exports = {
  solidity: "0.7.3",
  networks: {
    ropsten: {
      url: process.env.API_URL,
      accounts: [process.env.PRIVATE_KEY]
    }
  }
};

6. Deploying the Contract

Create scripts/deploy.js:

async function main() {
  const MyNFT = await ethers.getContractFactory("MyNFT");
  const myNFT = await MyNFT.deploy();
  console.log("Contract deployed to:", myNFT.address);
}

main()
  .then(() => process.exit(0))
  .catch(error => {
    console.error(error);
    process.exit(1);
  });

Run deployment:

npx hardhat run scripts/deploy.js --network ropsten

FAQ Section

What is an ERC-721 token?

ERC-721 is the Ethereum standard for non-fungible tokens (NFTs), allowing creation of unique digital assets with individual properties.

Why use the Ropsten test network?

Ropsten provides a safe environment to test smart contracts without spending real ETH on gas fees.

How do I view my deployed contract?

Check your contract address on Ropsten Etherscan. 👉 Learn more about blockchain explorers

What's next after deployment?

In Part II, we'll cover minting NFTs with your contract, and Part III will explain how to view NFTs in Metamask.

Key Takeaways

• NFT smart contracts use the ERC-721 standard
• Test networks like Ropsten allow risk-free development
• Tools like Hardhat streamline contract compilation and deployment
• Alchemy provides reliable blockchain access without running nodes

👉 Explore advanced NFT development techniques to enhance your project further.