Understanding MetaMask Transactions on Local and Remote Networks

As an experienced developer of Ethereum-based blockchain networks, you are probably no stranger to Web3 technologies and their intricacies. However, when it comes to interacting with the Ethereum network from outside of a local node (for example, when running in a web browser or a non-local environment), understanding how to sign and send transactions using MetaMask becomes crucial. In this article, we will delve into the world of Ethereum decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts, exploring how MetaMask facilitates these interactions within both local and remote networks.

What is MetaMask?

MetaMask is a popular browser extension that allows users to interact with their digital wallets on the Ethereum network. It provides an interface to store, manage, and send Ethereum transactions without having to download and install any additional software. With MetaMask, developers can access their local wallet, send Ether (ETH), and perform various smart contract interactions from within a web browser.

Local Node vs. Remote Network

When running on a local node, MetaMask acts as an intermediary between the user’s device and the Ethereum network. This is where things get interesting when interacting with remote networks.

On the local node:

• The user can build dApps using tools like Web3.js or ethers.js, which interact with the local Ethereum blockchain.

• When a user wants to send Ether or perform smart contract interactions on the local network, they use MetaMask to sign and broadcast transactions within their local wallet.

• MetaMask verifies the transaction and sends it to the Ethereum network, where it is executed.

Conversely:

When interacting with remote networks (i.e., when running in a non-local environment):

• The user must have an external browser or node setup to connect to the Ethereum network.

• Once connected, the user can create dApps using tools like Web3.js or ethers.js, which interact with the local Ethereum blockchain on the user’s behalf.

• When a user wants to send Ether or perform smart contract interactions on the remote network, they must use MetaMask on their external browser or node as an intermediary.

How ​​to sign and send transactions on the local node

To sign and send transactions inside MetaMask when running on a local node:

• Install Web3.js or ethers.js using npm or yarn.

• Create a new dApp using the tool of your choice, such as Truffle or Remix.

• In your dApp code, import the necessary libraries (e.g. Web3.js) and initialize your wallet with MetaMask.

• Use the web3.eth.sendTransaction() method to create a transaction and sign it with your local MetaMask wallet.

Here is an example:

const Web3 = require('web3');
const web3 = new Web3(window.ethereum);
// Create a new dApp contract
contract = new web3.eth.Contract(
'0x...your-contract-address...', // ABI
'0x...your-contract-function-name...' // function name
);

• Use web3.eth.sendTransaction() to create and sign a transaction, passing the contract object and the details of your local MetaMask wallet.

How ​​to sign and send transactions on a remote network

To sign and send transactions inside MetaMask when it is running remotely:

• Install a Node.js environment (for example, Node.js CLI) on your external device.

• Create an Ethereum account and set up the MetaMask extension on your browser or mobile app.

• In your dApp code, use the web3.eth.sendTransaction() method to create a transaction and sign it with your local MetaMask wallet.

Here is an example:

“`javascript

const Web3 = require(‘web3’);

const web3 = new Web3(new Web3.providers.HttpProvider(‘

// Create a new dApp contract

contract = new web3.eth.Contract(

‘0x…