This article serves as a comprehensive guide to simplify the process of using the Gibraltar testnet, the fourth testnet from Espresso. It highlights essential tasks such as obtaining test tokens via a faucet, bridging from Sepolia to both Milan and Kyoto, and deploying tokens across these networks.
The guide also explains the processes of minting and burning tokens, as well as deploying NFTs. Each task is meticulously explained, offering users straightforward instructions to ensure a smooth testnet experience.
Gibraltar Release
In the dawn of 2024, Espresso introduced the fourth iteration of their testnet, fondly known as the Gibraltar Testnet Release. This version brought forth substantial advancements.
The integration of Arbitrum Nitro was a significant step. It made the deployment of the Arbitrum technology stack to the Espresso Sequencer a breeze for any user.
Furthermore, the team demonstrated commendable progress with the development of Savoiardi. Savoiardi is the embodiment of Verifiable Information Dispersal (VID), an essential element of Espresso's Tiramisu DA solution. VID works to efficiently distribute transactions, pulling it out of the consensus' critical path while ensuring full DA guarantees are maintained.
The outcome? A noticeable boost in data throughput and reduction in latency, all while maintaining a robust consensus set.
Getting Started
Before we delve into the specifics, let's first understand what Gibraltar is. Currently, we have the opportunity to test two elements: Milan, an Arbitrum Rollup deployed by Caldera, and Kyoto, an Arbitrum Orbit chain that was co-developed with the AltLayer team.
This guide aims to provide a detailed walkthrough of the following activities:
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Securing test tokens using a faucet
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Bridging from Sepolia to Milan-devnet
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Bridging from Sepolia to Kyoto
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Deploying tokens on both networks
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Minting and burning tokens
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Deploying NFTs
Installing the Wallet Extension
To interact with Milan and Kyoto, you should have installed the EVM-wallet. We will be using the MetaMask wallet during this guide, which you can download by following this link.
If your wallet is already installed, proceed to the next steps.
Adding a Test Network
To begin utilizing the Espresso Gibraltar Testnet, it is crucial to prepare your environment correctly. The first step involves setting up your wallet to display test networks. You can do this by selecting Ethereum Mainnet in your wallet interface. A popup window will appear, where you need to switch on the Show test networks option.
Gibraltar Milan
Milan is an Arbitrum rollup that takes advantage of Gibraltar testnet's integration with the Arbitrum stack, deployed by the Caldera team.
Adding a Network
There are two options to add the Milan Devnet. The simplest one is by visiting this link and clicking on Add Chain to Metamask.
If you encounter any issues with the website using the first method, a second option is to manually add the network.
In MetaMask, select Ethereum Mainnet, then click Add network in the popup window. As the Milan Devnet is not pre-included in the wallet, it needs to be added manually. You can do this by selecting Add a network manually and entering the following information:
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Network name -
Gibraltar Milan -
New RPC URL - https://milan-devnet.rpc.caldera.xyz/http
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Chain ID -
83782 -
Currency symbol -
ETH
Faucet
Before interacting with the network, you should acquire a few test tokens to pay transaction fees. You can obtain these test tokens using the following Sepolia faucets:
Bridging Tokens
Connect your wallet to the Bridge, input the amount you wish to bridge, and click the Deposit button.
Token Deployment
We'll be utilizing the Thirdweb platform for this step. Renowned for its user-friendly features, Thirdweb offers an array of tools tailored to the needs of creators, artists, and entrepreneurs. It simplifies the process of constructing, launching, and managing a Web3 project, allowing users to integrate features such as NFTs, marketplaces, and social tokens without any coding requirement.
To start, navigate to this link, and connect your wallet. You'll be asked to sign a transaction and provide an email address where a code will be sent. Once you receive the code, enter it into the designated field and click on Deploy now to proceed.
Upon opening the window, you have the ability to upload an image, name, symbol, and description based on your preferences. For the Trusted Forwarders, just click on the Get default button.
Next, you would need to select the Select Network option and proceed to choose Add Custom Network. This will prompt you to key in the following data:
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Network name -
Milan -
Chain ID -
83782 -
Currency Symbol -
ETH -
Network type -
testnet -
RPC URL -
https://milan-devnet.rpc.caldera.xyz/http
Please note: The Network ID will be retrieved automatically.
Click the Deploy Now button, then sign the transaction in your wallet. Once the token is successfully deployed, select Mint from the Token Tab to mint your tokens.
Choose the quantity of tokens you wish to mint. Then, click the Mint Tokens button and sign the transaction in your wallet.
Token Burning
In order to reduce the quantity of tokens we've minted, simply click on the Burn button. You'll then be able to specify the volume of tokens you'd like to eliminate.
Keep in mind not to burn all your tokens. Once you've determined the amount to burn, click on Burn Tokens, and approve the transaction in your wallet.
Token Transfers
To transfer tokens, simply click on the Transfer option. A popup window will appear, where you can input the wallet address or ENS domain that you wish to send tokens to.
After deciding on the quantity of tokens to be transferred, you'll need to authenticate the transaction in your wallet.
NFT Deployment
To create your NFT, navigate to this page and select the Deploy Now option. Following this, you'll need to authenticate the transactions in your wallet. Once the NFT has been successfully deployed, proceed to the NFTs tab and choose to create it.
Opt for Single Upload. On the subsequent page, you can input the preferred Name and Media for your NFT, and add a Description. Properties can be left blank for now.
Click on the Lazy Mint NFT button, then authenticate the transactions in your wallet.
As the final step, head back to Overview and select the Claim Conditions Tab. Click on Add Phase and choose Public. You can adjust the parameters based on your preferences, but leaving them at their default settings won't make a significant difference.
After saving the phases by clicking Save Phases and signing the transaction in your wallet, navigate to the Overview section located at the top left corner of the page. Scroll down to find the NFT Details section and select View All. You can then claim your NFT by clicking on Claim.
A popup window will appear, allowing you to specify the number of NFTs you wish to claim. If you're unsure, you can leave it at the default settings.
Once you click Claim NFT, you'll be prompted to sign the transaction in your wallet.
We've successfully interacted with the Gibraltar Milan Devnet. Now, let's proceed and explore the Kyoto Testnet:
Kyoto Testnet
Kyoto is an Arbitrum Orbit chain that is co-deployed with the AltLayer team on the Espresso Gibraltar testnet. The deployment of Kyoto was fast-tracked by a RaaS launcher, demonstrating its importance in enhancing the functionality of the Gibraltar testnet.
Adding a Network
There are two options to add the Kyoto Testnet. The simplest one is by visiting this link and clicking on Add to Wallet.
If you encounter any issues with the website using the first method, a second option is to manually add the network and entering the following information:
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Network name -
Gibraltar Kyoto -
New RPC URL -
https://kyoto-rpc.altlayer.io/ -
Chain ID -
41234687 -
Currency symbol -
ETH
As we already possess test $ETH on the Sepolia network, there's no need to obtain more. We can proceed directly to the next step of the guide: bridging tokens.
Bridging Tokens
To get started, first connect your wallet to the relevant website below:
Once connected, look for and select the Settings option. A popup window will appear. Inside this window, you'll need to insert the text that can be found by clicking on the arrow next to Bridge Assets at this specific online location.
Ensure that the testnet mode is enabled before clicking on Add Chain.
Choose the networks precisely as depicted in the image, with Sepolia as the origin and Kyoto as the destination. Next, click on Move funds to Kyoto and authorize the transaction in your wallet.
Please be patient as the bridging process might take a while to complete.
Tokens and NFT Deployment
To deploy on the Kyoto network, start by returning to the Thirdweb homepage. Click on the Deploy Now button and select Kyoto. Next, choose the Add Custom Network option. You are required to input the following data:
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Network name -
Kyoto -
Chain ID -
41234687 -
Currency Symbol -
ETH -
Network type -
testnet -
RPC URL -
https://kyoto-rpc.altlayer.io/
Please note: The Network ID will be retrieved automatically.
From this point forward, we follow the same procedures as in Gibraltar Milan.
Wrapping Up
This guide has successfully covered all the possible activities that can be performed on both the Gibraltar Milan and Kyoto Testnet. The final step left is for you to share your experiences and feedback on the Discord server in the #testnet-feedback channel.
For more updates, please follow the Espresso System on X (Twitter).
Gibraltar's FAQ
What is Espresso Sequencer?
The Espresso Sequencer is a network created to enhance the efficiency of Layer-2 blockchain rollups by providing a shared, decentralized platform for transaction ordering.
It comprises two integral parts: the HotShot Consensus and the Tiramisu Data Availability protocols.
What are the key features of the Gibraltar Testnet?
The Gibraltar Testnet integrates with Arbitrum Nitro, facilitating the deployment of the Arbitrum technology stack to the Espresso Sequencer. It also shows substantial development in Savoiardi, an implementation of VID, a crucial part of Espresso's Tiramisu DA solution.
What is Verifiable Information Dispersal (VID)?
VID supports the efficient transfer of transaction dissemination from the consensus's critical path while maintaining full DA guarantees. This leads to high data throughput and low latency while upholding a large consensus set.
Is the Gibraltar Testnet an incentivized network for users?
Currently, there are no rewards for participating in the Gibraltar Test Network as no official announcements about such incentives have been made.
What are the Milan and Kyoto rollups?
Milan is an Arbitrum rollup deployed by Caldera, while Kyoto is an Arbitrum Orbit chain co-deployed with the AltLayer team.
What should I do if the faucet is not working?
Try using a different faucet. If that doesn't help, consider reaching out on Discord to get information about the testnet's state.
What should I do if the bridge does not arrive in Kyoto?
You should wait and check the status of the bridge periodically.
What should I do if transactions are stuck in the “pending” status?
Reach out on Discord in the #testnet-support channel to inquire about the issue.