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Version: v4.0.0-nightly.20260204

Connect to Local Network

This guide shows you how to connect your application to the Aztec local network and interact with the network.

Prerequisites​

  • Running Aztec local network (see Quickstart) on port 8080
  • Node.js installed
  • TypeScript project set up

Install dependencies​

yarn add @aztec/aztec.js@4.0.0-nightly.20260204 @aztec/test-wallet@4.0.0-nightly.20260204

Connect to the network​

Create a node client and TestWallet to interact with the local network:

connect_to_network
import { createAztecNodeClient, waitForNode } from "@aztec/aztec.js/node";
import {
  TestWallet,
  registerInitialLocalNetworkAccountsInWallet,
} from "@aztec/test-wallet/server";

const nodeUrl = "http://localhost:8080";
const node = createAztecNodeClient(nodeUrl);

// Wait for the network to be ready
await waitForNode(node);

// Create a TestWallet connected to the node
const wallet = await TestWallet.create(node);
Source code: docs/examples/ts/aztecjs_connection/index.ts#L1-L16
About TestWallet

TestWallet is a simplified wallet for local development that implements the same Wallet interface used in production. It handles key management, transaction signing, and proof generation in-process without external dependencies.

Why use it for testing? It starts instantly, requires no setup, and provides deterministic behavior—ideal for automated tests and rapid iteration.

Production wallets (like browser extensions or mobile apps) implement the same interface but store keys securely, may require user confirmation for transactions, and typically run in a separate process. Code written against TestWallet works with any Wallet implementation, so your application logic transfers directly to production.

Verify the connection​

Get node information to confirm your connection:

verify_connection
const nodeInfo = await node.getNodeInfo();
console.log("Connected to local network version:", nodeInfo.nodeVersion);
console.log("Chain ID:", nodeInfo.l1ChainId);
Source code: docs/examples/ts/aztecjs_connection/index.ts#L18-L22

Load pre-funded accounts​

The local network has accounts pre-funded with fee juice to pay for gas. Register them in your wallet:

load_accounts
const [aliceAddress, bobAddress] =
  await registerInitialLocalNetworkAccountsInWallet(wallet);

console.log(`Alice's address: ${aliceAddress.toString()}`);
console.log(`Bob's address: ${bobAddress.toString()}`);
Source code: docs/examples/ts/aztecjs_connection/index.ts#L24-L30

These accounts are pre-funded with fee juice (the native gas token) at genesis, so you can immediately send transactions without needing to bridge funds from L1.

Check fee juice balance​

Verify that an account has fee juice for transactions:

check_fee_juice
import { getFeeJuiceBalance } from "@aztec/aztec.js/utils";

const aliceBalance = await getFeeJuiceBalance(aliceAddress, node);
console.log(`Alice's fee juice balance: ${aliceBalance}`);
Source code: docs/examples/ts/aztecjs_connection/index.ts#L32-L37

Next steps​