Useful Programming Libraries to Create Your Own Cryptocurrency Wallet

Since 2009, and especially over the past few years, cryptocurrency development has become a skill in high demand. Whether you are looking to create a new currency or contribute to an existing project, creating a new user-friendly wallet is a necessary part of the process. This includes creating a front-end and a back-end to the client.

For inspiration, you should take a look at the source code of some of the top cryptocurrency wallets. If you wish to compete with what’s on the market, features like offline cold storage, paper wallet generation, or asset management would be well received.

BitcoinLib (C#)

Although C# and the .NET framework isn’t the first thing that comes to mind with cryptocurrency development, it is actually quite easy using BitcoinLib. It is compatible with all RPC API’s for Bitcoin Core, Bitcoin, altcoins, and possibly your own cryptocurrency project.

If you would like to deploy binaries for Linux or BSD, it is also fully compatible with Mono. The source code is also buildable in windows via the Dotnet CLI command.

Pycoin (Python)

Even using Python is quite easy to create a wallet application. With Pycoin, you will be able to interact with keys, transactions, and other Bitcoin services.

Signing EDCSA keys is also possible with Pycoin, allowing your software to create or sign signatures. You may also generate key pairs, making it possible to have a fully functioning wallet.

Awesome CryptoCoinJs (JavaScript)

If you have a background in web development, you may also transfer over your skills into making wallets. CryptoCoinJs is a library for JavaScript and Node.js, giving access you access to some amazing front- and back-end features.

The library is compatible with various BiPs (from 21 to 70), blockchain explorer APIs, running a full node, Bitcoin’s RPC, and the Bitcoin P2P protocol. It also has wallet features like multi-signature support and colored coin support.

BitcoinJ (Java)

If you wanted to create your own wallet in pure Java, BitcoinJ is the library you’re looking for. It is designed to make transactions without even needing the original Bitcoin Core client locally installed. It has everything a wallet needs, including multi-signing, coin control, and encryption.

The most notable feature is its lightweight simplified payment verification mode, which only needs to partially download the blockchain in order to verify payments. This is useful for programming apps for phones or embedded devices.

Conclusion

As you can see, developing a wallet may easily be done in multiple languages for those that don’t want to stay away from C++. Be sure to keep up with updates from Bitcoin Core or the altcoin that you are developing to avoid bugs or exploits.