Setting Up and Using Your First Decentralized Wallet

Your class project is to set up your own decentralized wallet and complete basic crypto transactions to build confidence in using MetaMask and Phantom Wallet.

Project Steps:

Install and Set Up Your Wallet
- Download MetaMask (for Ethereum-based assets) or Phantom Wallet (for Solana-based assets).
- Create a new wallet and securely store your seed phrase (DO NOT share it with anyone).
- Customize your wallet settings and security preferences.
Add Funds to Your Wallet
- Transfer a small amount of Ethereum (ETH) or Solana (SOL) to your wallet from an exchange.
- Learn how to check your wallet balance and transaction history.
Send and Receive Cryptocurrency
- Practice sending a small amount of crypto to a friend or another wallet.
- Receive crypto by sharing your public wallet address.
Explore Swaps and DeFi
- Use the built-in Swap feature in MetaMask or Phantom to trade between tokens.
- Connect your wallet to a decentralized exchange (DEX) such as Uniswap or Raydium and explore its interface.
Connect Your Wallet to a DApp or NFT Marketplace
- Try logging into a Web3 application, such as OpenSea for NFTs or Aave for DeFi lending.
- Learn how to authorize transactions securely.

Document Your Project:

Take screenshots of your wallet setup, first transaction, and interaction with a DApp.
Write a brief reflection on:
- Your experience setting up a wallet
- How easy (or difficult) it was to send and receive crypto
- Your insights on connecting to a DApp or performing a swap

Share Your Work:

Upload your screenshots and reflections in the class project section.
Engage with other students by sharing tips or asking questions about using decentralized wallets.

Outcome:

By completing this project, you’ll gain hands-on experience with decentralized wallets, develop good security habits, and become comfortable interacting with blockchain technology. This will prepare you for trading, DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 applications confidently.

Welcome to the decentralized future—let’s get started!

Atilay Mustafa

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