How to Use the Stellar SDK for JavaScript: Your Guide to Building Stellar Apps

Apr 23, 2023 | Blockchain

Stellar is a powerful platform aimed at creating equitable access to the global financial system, and the js-stellar-sdk is a JavaScript library that makes it easy to communicate with Stellar’s Horizon server and Soroban RPC. Whether you’re developing on Node.js or in a browser, this SDK simplifies the process of building Stellar applications. Let’s dive into how to get started!

Installation

To begin using the js-stellar-sdk, you need to install it in your project. Here’s how:

  • If you’re using npm, run:
  • npm install --save @stellar/stellar-sdk
  • For Yarn users, run:
  • yarn add @stellar/stellar-sdk
  • Then, import it into your JavaScript code:
  • var StellarSdk = require('@stellar/stellar-sdk');
  • Or use ES6 import syntax:
  • import * as StellarSdk from '@stellar/stellar-sdk';

Using the SDK in the Browser

If you prefer to use a CDN link, simply add the following script tag to your HTML file:

<script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/stellar-sdk/version/stellar-sdk.js"></script>

However, keep in mind that relying on a third party might introduce security issues. An alternative is to self-host it using Bower or by building it locally. Always ensure you are using the latest version available on the releases page.

Using the SDK with Different Platforms

Different environments may require special configurations. Here’s how to set it up for various platforms:

With React Native

To use the SDK with React Native, follow these steps:

  1. Install the required packages:
  2. yarn add --dev rn-nodeify
  3. Add a postinstall script:
  4. yarn rn-nodeify --install url,events,https,http,util,stream,crypto,vm,buffer --hack --yarn
  5. Link the necessary packages:
  6. react-native link react-native-randombytes

With Expo

If you’re using Expo managed workflows, follow the similar steps to React Native, but ensure you also run:

expo install expo-random

With CloudFlare Workers

CloudFlare workers may need additional configurations due to dependency issues. Refer to their documentation if you face issues during setup.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems while using the Stellar SDK, here are some troubleshooting steps you can follow:

  • Ensure you’re using the correct version of Node.js, preferably Node 18.
  • Verify that all dependencies are correctly installed and up to date.
  • If you’re experiencing issues with buffering in React Native, ensure that you’re using the V8 compiler on Android and JSC on iOS.
  • For persistent issues, consider checking out the Github repository and the associated issues page.

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

Conclusion

With the Stellar SDK, you have the tools to create robust financial applications on the Stellar network. Whether you’re integrating it into a web app, React Native, or another platform, the SDK enables seamless access to blockchain functionalities.

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.

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