> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.abs.xyz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Ethers

> Learn how to use zksync-ethers to build applications on Abstract.

To best utilize the features of Abstract, it is recommended to use
[zksync-ethers](https://sdk.zksync.io/js/ethers/why-zksync-ethers) library
alongside [ethers](https://docs.ethers.io/v6/).

<Accordion title="Prerequisites">
  Ensure you have the following installed on your machine: -
  [Node.js](https://nodejs.org/en/download/) v18.0.0 or later.
</Accordion>

## 1. Create a new project

Create a new directory and change directory into it.

```bash theme={null}
mkdir my-abstract-app && cd my-abstract-app
```

Initialize a new Node.js project.

```bash theme={null}
npm init -y
```

Install the `zksync-ethers` and `ethers` libraries.

```bash theme={null}
npm install zksync-ethers@6 ethers@6
```

## 2. Connect to Abstract

<CodeGroup>
  ```javascript Testnet theme={null}
  import { Provider, Wallet } from "zksync-ethers";
  import { ethers } from "ethers";

  // Read data from a provider
  const provider = new Provider("https://api.testnet.abs.xyz");
  const blockNumber = await provider.getBlockNumber();

  // Submit transactions from a wallet
  const wallet = new Wallet(ethers.Wallet.createRandom().privateKey, provider);
  const tx = await wallet.sendTransaction({
    to: wallet.getAddress(),
  });
  ```

  ```javascript Mainnet theme={null}
  import { Provider, Wallet } from "zksync-ethers";
  import { ethers } from "ethers";

  // Read data from a provider
  const provider = new Provider("https://api.mainnet.abs.xyz");
  const blockNumber = await provider.getBlockNumber();

  // Submit transactions from a wallet
  const wallet = new Wallet(ethers.Wallet.createRandom().privateKey, provider);
  const tx = await wallet.sendTransaction({
    to: wallet.getAddress(),
  });
  ```
</CodeGroup>

Learn more about the features of `zksync-ethers` in the official documentation:

* [zksync-ethers features](https://sdk.zksync.io/js/ethers/guides/features)
* [ethers documentation](https://docs.ethers.io/v6/)