This guide provides a step-by-step approach to deploying smart contracts on the Rootstock using Hardhat Ignition.

While standard [Hardhat guides](/developers/smart-contracts/hardhat/) cover general Rootstock development, this guide specifically showcases how Hardhat Ignition can make deployment more efficient by enabling programmatic and declarative approaches tailored for Rootstock.

Hardhat Ignition streamlines smart contract deployment by enabling programmatic definition, testing, and execution of deployment plans. This declarative approach significantly improves efficiency and manageability, making the deployment process smoother and more predictable.

With Ignition, you can easily manage complex deployment workflows, handle dependencies between contracts, and ensure smooth deployment processes.

Don’t worry if you’re new to this—every step will be explained in simple terms, making it accessible even if you’re just starting out.

## **What You'll Learn**

* Set up a project to deploy smart contracts on Rootstock.
* Understand the project structure.
* Deploy a contract to the Rootstock Testnet using Hardhat Ignition.

## **What You Need Before Starting**

1. **Node.js**

   * This is a tool developers use to run JavaScript code.
   * [Download Node.js here](https://nodejs.org/). Install the **LTS version** (the one marked as “Recommended for Most Users”).
2. **npm** or **Yarn**

   * These are tools that help manage project dependencies (software libraries your project needs to work).
   * If you installed Node.js, you already have npm installed. You can check by typing this in your terminal:

```
npm -v
```

3. **Hardhat**

   * A tool that helps developers create and test Ethereum-like projects (Rootstock is Ethereum-compatible).
4. **Hardhat Ignition**

   * A plugin that makes deploying smart contracts easier.
5. **Rootstock RPC API endpoint**

   * This is like an access point that connects your computer to the Rootstock blockchain. You can use the Testnet (for testing) or Mainnet (for real transactions).

:::warning[Before running these command]

- If you find the `deployments` and `artifacts` folder inside the ignition directory, delete it.

:::

## Getting Started


  
  
   
   
   
  <figcaption>Rootstock Testnet Explorer (fig 1.)</figcaption>
</figure>


  </Step>
</Steps>

:::warning[Troubleshooting]

1. **Reconciliation failed:** If you encounter this error, delete the ignition folder and artifacts folder, because they may have stored your previous deployment

**Error**
- `First`.
```
[ BoxModule ] reconciliation failed ⛔

The module contains changes to executed futures:

BoxModule#Box:
 - From account has been changed from 0xb4eb1352ac339766727df550a24d21f90935e78c to 0xb0f22816750851d18ad9bd54c32c5e09d1940f7d

Consider modifying your module to remove the inconsistencies with deployed futures.
```
- `Second`.
```
IgnitionError: IGN401: Error while executing BoxModule#Box: all the transactions of its network interaction 1 were dropped. Please try rerunning Hardhat Ignition.
```
 2. **Gas Fees**: If deployment fails, ensure your wallet has enough funds. Use the faucet for test tokens.
 3. **Incorrect URLs**: Double-check your .env file for the correct RPC URLs.
 4. **Compile Errors**: Review your smart contract code for mistakes.

:::