Metamask: Critical Error in Gas Estimation via Web3.js
A recent update to the Metamask wallet has introduced a critical error that can lead to significant gas costs for users when deploying contracts on the Ethereum network. The issue affects gas estimation, which is essential for accurately tracking the cost of executing smart contract transactions.
The Problem: -32000 Error in Gas Estimation
When using Web3.js to interact with the Ethereum blockchain, Metamask provides an estimate of the gas costs required for a particular transaction or operation. However, starting from version 2.0.5, the wallet has introduced a new error when attempting to perform gas estimation via this method.
The Error: -32000
When encountering the following code in your contract deployment script:
const gasAmount = await this.factory.methods.createContract(
Math.floor(new Date(contract.expirationDate).getTime() / 1000),
// ...
);
You may encounter the following error when attempting to execute gasAmount:
>
TypeError: Error in EstimateGas
Impact on User Experience
The -32000 error can lead to significant gas costs for users, which may not be aligned with the user’s expectations or budget. This issue can also cause frustration and increased stress during contract deployment, especially if users rely on Metamask for seamless transactions.
Conclusion
As a user of this code, you should take note of this critical error in gas estimation via Web3.js starting from version 2.0.5 of the Metamask wallet. This issue affects users who have been using the code successfully for an extended period, like yourself.
To mitigate this issue, we recommend updating your contract deployment script to use a different method for estimating gas costs, such as:
- Ethers.js: A popular library for interacting with the Ethereum blockchain that provides accurate and reliable gas estimation.
- ContractKit: An open-source library for building smart contracts on the Ethereum network that offers robust gas estimation features.
Mitigation Strategy
To minimize the impact of this error, you can:
- Update your code to use a different method for estimating gas costs.
- Monitor gas estimates in real-time using Ethers.js or ContractKit.
- Be cautious when deploying contracts on the Ethereum network and verify the accuracy of gas estimates before deployment.
Next Steps
If you encounter any further issues related to this error, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team for assistance or guidance. We’re committed to providing accurate information and helping users like you navigate the complexities of smart contract development on the Ethereum blockchain.
By taking proactive steps to address this issue, you can ensure a smoother user experience and reduce the likelihood of encountering errors related to gas estimation in Metamask.
