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Ethereum: Timeout Error in Hardhat Staging Test with Chainlink VRF and Automation on Sepolia Network

As a developer working on decentralized applications (dApps) built on Ethereum, it’s not uncommon to encounter issues while testing and deploying smart contracts. In this article, we’ll be exploring an issue that can arise when running staging tests for your Lottery smart contract using Hardhat with the help of Chainlink VRF (Verifiable Random Functions) and automation on Sepolia Network.

The Issue

The problem stems from a timeout error that occurs during a hardhat staging test. Specifically, the test is supposed to integrate live Chainlink VRF and Chainlink Keepers but fails due to an unrecoverable timeout. This issue can be caused by various factors, including:

  • Insufficient network connectivity

  • Inadequate chainlink VRF subscription or keepers’ configurations

  • Incorrect testing setup or configuration

Testing the Issue

To diagnose and resolve this issue, we’ll perform a step-by-step analysis of the hardhat staging test. We’ll focus on the Chainlink VRF integration, which is crucial for simulating real-world scenarios.

  • Update Hardhat to the Latest Version: Make sure you’re running the latest version of Hardhat, as updates often address known issues.

  • Verify Network Connectivity: Ensure that your network is properly connected and configured before attempting to run the test.

  • Check Chainlink VRF Subscription: Verify that you have a valid subscription for the Chainlink VRF on Sepolia Network (the test network used by Hardhat). You can check this in the hardhat.config.js file under chainlinks.vrf. If your subscription is not active or has expired, update it accordingly.

  • Verify Keepers Configuration: Ensure that your keepers’ configuration is set up correctly to enable VRF-based randomness.

Automated Testing with Sepolia Network

To automate testing and improve the reliability of our smart contracts, we’ll utilize Sepolia Network’s automated testing capabilities. We’ll create a separate test suite for the Lottery contract using @hardhat/autocollector and @hardhat/chainlink packages.

Here are the steps to replicate this setup:

  • Create a new Hardhat project with Sepolia Network support.

  • Install required dependencies (@hardhat/autocollector, @hardhat/chainlink) in your package.json file.

  • Configure Chainlink VRF and keepers in the hardhat.config.js file under chainlinks.vrf.

  • Create an automated test suite for the Lottery contract using @hardhat/autocollector and @hardhat/chainlink.

Example Code

Here’s some sample code to get you started:

const { Autocollector, Chainlink } = require('@hardhat/autocollector');


const { HardhatRuntimeEnvironment, ProviderClient } = require '@nomiclabs/hardhat-provider';




// Sepolia Network configuration


const sepoliaConfig = {


  // Your Sepolia Network API credentials here


};




module.exports = {


  providers: [


    new ProviderClient(sepoliaConfig),


  ],


  getNamedAccounts: () => ['SepoliaNetwork'],


};

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve demonstrated how to troubleshoot and resolve a timeout error in Hardhat staging tests that integrate with live Chainlink VRF and automation on Sepolia Network. By following the steps outlined above and using automated testing capabilities, you can ensure your smart contracts are reliable and perform as expected.

Remember to always update your dependencies and test configurations to maintain compatibility with evolving blockchain technologies. If you encounter further issues or have specific questions, feel free to ask!

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