Loom.js is an extraordinary JavaScript library designed for creating browser applications and NodeJS services that seamlessly interact with Loom DAppChains. Whether you are a seasoned developer or a beginner looking to dive into the world of blockchain development, this guide will walk you through the installation process, debugging tips, and additional functionalities. Let’s get started!

Installation

Installing Loom.js is a piece of cake! Depending on your project preferences, you can choose either NPM or Yarn for NodeJS applications, and for browser applications, here’s how you can do it:

• For NodeJS using NPM:

  npm install loom-js

• For NodeJS using Yarn:

  yarn add loom-js

• For browser applications, include the following script tag in your HTML file:

  <script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/loom-js@1.15.0/dist/loom.umd.js"></script>

Debugging Loom.js

Debugging can often be daunting, but Loom.js leverages the debug package for logging to ease your troubleshooting process. Here are your debugging options:

• For browser debugging, set the following in your console:

  localStorage.debug = "*"

• For NodeJS debugging, use:

  DEBUG=* node yourApp.js

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues during installation or while running your applications, consider the following suggestions:

• Ensure that NodeJS is installed on your machine by running node -v in your terminal.
• Make sure your internet connection is stable while fetching the library through NPM or Yarn.
• Double-check the paths or scripts you are including in your HTML if your browser app isn’t functioning as expected.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

Development Workflow

Loom.js comes with a suite of commands to streamline your development process:

• Build for NodeJS:

  yarn build

• Build for Browser:

  yarn build:browser

• Build targeting ES2017:

  yarn build:dev

• Run unit tests:

  yarn test

This allows you to develop efficiently, as these commands automate many of the repetitive tasks associated with development.

Understanding Custom Middleware with an Analogy

Imagine you’re in a busy restaurant (a blockchain network). Each table (user) has specific needs (transactions). The LoomProvider acts like a skilled waiter (middleware) who ensures that orders (transactions) are handled swiftly and accurately. You can customize this waiter to provide specialized service (custom middleware) based on your preference.

In terms of code, you customize the middlewares like this:

const setupMiddlewareFn = function(client, privateKey) {
    const publicKey = CryptoUtils.publicKeyFromPrivateKey(privateKey);
    return [
        new CachedNonceTxMiddleware(publicKey, client),
        new SignedTxMiddleware(privateKey),
    ];
};
const loomProviderObj = new LoomProvider(client, privateKey, setupMiddlewareFn);

With this approach, you can enhance transaction handling for your application.

Supported JSON RPC Calls

LoomProvider, when combined with Web3, supports a plethora of JSON RPC calls to interact with the blockchain, including:

• eth_accounts
• eth_blockNumber
• eth_call
• eth_sendTransaction
• …and many more!

Custom and Overwriting Methods

Sometimes your project might need a specific functionality that’s not directly available with LoomProvider. In such cases, you can easily add custom methods or overwrite existing methods:

const loomProviderObj = new LoomProvider(client, privateKey);
loomProviderObj.addCustomMethod('eth_balance', (payload) => {
    return '0x1'; 
});

loomProvider.overwriteMethod('eth_estimateGas', (payload) => {
    return '0x123'; 
});

This flexibility allows you to adapt your blockchain services as required without being restricted by default provisions.

Conclusion

Loom.js opens the door to innovative possibilities when it comes to interfacing with DAppChains and enhances your development experience with flexibility and robustness. Remember to leverage the debugging tools and customizable methods for a smooth sailing on your DApp journey.

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.