Building a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) with Next.js and Web3
In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through creating a DAO using Next.js, thirdweb, MetaMask, and Alchemy. Our DAO will allow users to mint NFTs, receive cryptocurrency via airdrops, and participate in polls.
Prerequisites
- Working knowledge of JavaScript, Next.js, and the blockchain
- A MetaMask wallet
- An account with Alchemy
Setup
First, let’s create a new Next.js app:
bash
npx create-next-app my-dao
Next, head to Alchemy, sign in, and create a new app. Make sure to use the same chain as the one you used in thirdweb (in our case, it’s the Ethereum chain and the Rinkeby network). After creating the app, copy the HTTP API key.
Getting the Wallet’s Private Key
To mint NFTs and perform certain scripts, we need the wallet’s private key. Open the MetaMask browser extension, click on Account Details, and export the private key. Copy it somewhere safe.
Adding .env Variables
Create a new file called .env in the root of your project and add the following variables:
makefile
ALCHEMY_API_KEY=YOUR_API_KEY
WALLET_PRIVATE_KEY=YOUR_PRIVATE_KEY
Make sure to add these variables to your .gitignore file to avoid pushing them to GitHub.
Adding Sign-in Functionality using MetaMask
We’ll use thirdweb to add MetaMask sign-in functionality to our DAO. First, install the required packages:
bash
npm install @thirdweb-dev/react @thirdweb-dev/sdk
Next, wrap your whole app in a thirdweb provider:
“`jsx
import { ThirdwebProvider } from ‘@thirdweb-dev/react’;
function MyApp({ Component, pageProps }) {
return (
);
}
export default MyApp;
“`
Create a new folder called components and add a Login.js file:
“`jsx
import { useConnectWallet } from ‘@thirdweb-dev/react’;
const Login = () => {
const connectWallet = useConnectWallet();
return (
export default Login;
“`
Render the login screen if there is no address (if the user is not signed in):
“`jsx
import Login from ‘../components/Login’;
function Home() {
if (!address) {
return
}
// Render the rest of the app
}
“`
Initializing the Thirdweb SDK
Create a new folder called scripts and add an initialize-sdk.js file:
“`javascript
import { ThirdwebSDK } from ‘@thirdweb-dev/sdk’;
const sdk = new ThirdwebSDK(‘https://rinkeby.ethereum.thirdweb.com’);
// Initialize the SDK
sdk.init();
“`
Run the script:
bash
node scripts/initialize-sdk.js
This will initialize the thirdweb SDK, and you’ll get your app address. Store it somewhere safe.
Adding Features to Mint an NFT
Create a new file called deploy-drop.js inside the scripts folder:
“`javascript
import { ThirdwebSDK } from ‘@thirdweb-dev/sdk’;
const sdk = new ThirdwebSDK(‘https://rinkeby.ethereum.thirdweb.com’);
// Create a new NFT drop
const drop = await sdk.deployer.deployNFTDrop({
name: ‘My NFT Drop’,
description: ‘This is my NFT drop’,
image: ‘https://example.com/image.png’,
});
console.log(drop.address);
“`
Run the script:
bash
node scripts/deploy-drop.js
This will create a new NFT drop contract, and you’ll get the address. Store it somewhere safe.
Creating and Deploying a Governance Token
Create a new file called deploy-token.js inside the scripts folder:
“`javascript
import { ThirdwebSDK } from ‘@thirdweb-dev/sdk’;
const sdk = new ThirdwebSDK(‘https://rinkeby.ethereum.thirdweb.com’);
// Create a new governance token
const token = await sdk.deployer.deployToken({
name: ‘My Governance Token’,
symbol: ‘MYT’,
});
console.log(token.address);
“`
Run the script:
bash
node scripts/deploy-token.js
This will create a new governance token contract, and you’ll get the address. Store it somewhere safe.
Minting Tokens
Create a new file called mint-token.js inside the scripts folder:
“`javascript
import { ThirdwebSDK } from ‘@thirdweb-dev/sdk’;
const sdk = new ThirdwebSDK(‘https://rinkeby.ethereum.thirdweb.com