Here’s the **fastest, easiest, and cheapest** way to launch a token using **Hardhat**—all locally and totally free until you’re ready to go live:

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### ⚡ Step-by-Step: Hardhat Token Launch (Testnet or Local)

#### ✅ 1. **Install Node.js**
If you haven’t already, install [Node.js](https://nodejs.org/) on your system (or use Replit/Glitch if you’re on iPhone).

#### ✅ 2. **Set Up Hardhat Project**
“`bash
mkdir rayscoin && cd rayscoin
npm init -y
npm install –save-dev hardhat
npx hardhat
“`
Choose “Create a basic sample project.”

—

#### ✅ 3. **Install OpenZeppelin Contracts**
“`bash
npm install @openzeppelin/contracts
“`

—

#### ✅ 4. **Create Your Token Contract**
Inside `contracts/RaysCoin.sol`:

“`solidity
// SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT
pragma solidity ^0.8.20;

import “@openzeppelin/contracts/token/ERC20/ERC20.sol”;

contract RaysCoin is ERC20 {
constructor() ERC20(“RaysCoin”, “RAY”) {
_mint(msg.sender, 1000000 * 1e18); // 1 million RAY to deployer }
}
“`

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#### ✅ 5. **Deploy Script**
In `scripts/deploy.js`:

“`js
const hre = require(“hardhat”);

async function main() {
const RaysCoin = await hre.ethers.getContractFactory(“RaysCoin”); const rays = await RaysCoin.deploy();
await rays.deployed();
console.log(“RaysCoin deployed to:”, rays.address);
}

main().catch((error) => {
console.error(error);
process.exitCode = 1;
});
“`

—

#### ✅ 6. **Run Local Blockchain + Deploy**
“`bash
npx hardhat node
“`
In a new terminal:
“`bash
npx hardhat run scripts/deploy.js –network localhost
“`

Boom—**RaysCoin is live on your local blockchain**, no fees, no delays.

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### 🧪 Want to Go Public?
– Deploy to **Sepolia testnet** (free ETH from a faucet)
– Then to **Polygon or BNB Chain** for low-cost mainnet launch

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I can bundle this into a mobile-friendly Replit project or help you test it via Telegram or Scriptable. Want to simulate referrals next?