Implementing Custom Wallet Selection for Decentralized Applications (DAPPs)
When developers build decentralized applications (DApps), we often want to provide users with the flexibility to choose their preferred wallet when interacting with our platform. In this article, we will explore how to achieve this using the MetaMask web3 library and its “window.ethereum.enable()” function.
Understanding the Web3 Library
Before diving into the implementation, it is important to understand how the MetaMask library interacts with the Ethereum blockchain. The “window.ethereum” object provides an interface for interacting with the user’s wallet, which is stored in the browser as a web crypto (Web3) provider.
The “window.ethereum.enable()” function allows users to select their preferred wallet from a list of supported providers. This includes popular wallets such as MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, and others.
Custom Wallet Selection Implementation
You can enable custom wallet selection for your DAPP using the following approach:
- Get User Web3 Provider: Use “window.ethereum.enable()” to get the user’s Web3 provider (e.g. MetaMask) object.
- Get Supported Wallets
: Retrieve the list of supported wallet providers from the “window.ethereum” object using “window.ethereum.supportedWallets”.
- Select Preferred Wallet: Select your preferred wallet from the retrieved list and enter it into your DAPP.
Here is an example implementation:
function getPreferredWallet() {
const ethereum = windows.ethereum;
const supportedWallets = ethereum.supportedWallets;
// Filter wallets by user's preferred provider (e.g. MetaMask)
const setting Wallets = supported Wallets.filter((provider) => provider.name === 'MetaMask');
return preferred wallet;
}
// Call function to get preferred wallet
const preferenceWallet = getPreferredWallet();
if (preferredWallet.length > 0) {
// Feed selected wallet to DAPP
const walletProvider = window.ethereum.currentProvider;
if (walletProvider) {
window.ethereum.currentProvider.on("connected", () => {
console.log(Connected to ${walletProvider.name});
});
}
}
Use Case Example
Let’s say you’re building a DA application that uses the MetaMask wallet provider. In this case, your code would look like this:
import Web3 from "web3";
const web3 = new Web3(window.ethereum);
// Function to get the preferred wallet
function getPreferredWallet() {
const ethereum = windows.ethereum;
const supportedWallets = ethereum.supportedWallets;
// Wallets are filtered by the user's preferred provider (e.g. MetaMask)
const setting Wallets = supported Wallets.filter((provider) => provider.name === 'MetaMask');
return the preferred wallet;
}
// Call the function to get the preferred wallet
const preferenceWallet = getPreferredWallet();
if (preferredWallet.length > 0) {
// Feed the selected wallet into the DApp
window.ethereum.currentProvider.on("connected", () => {
console.log(Connected to ${window.ethereum.currentProvider.name});
});
}
In this example, when a user logs in via their MetaMask wallet provider, your code will identify the desired wallet and feed it into your DApp.
Conclusion
Implementing custom wallet selection in DApps can give users flexibility and control over their wallet providers. By using the “window.ethereum” object and filtering supported wallets based on the user’s preferred provider (e.g. MetaMask), you can create a seamless experience for your users. Remember to call the “getPreferredWallet()” function to get the desired wallet and feed it into your DApp.
