Wallet Integration Resources
Comprehensive collection of tools, libraries, and documentation for integrating Cardano wallets into your dApps.
Quick Reference: Wallet Integration Libraries
Library Comparison Matrix
| Library | Framework | Wallet Support | Best For | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mesh SDK | React | CIP-30, CIP-95 | Frontend dApps, rapid development | JavaScript/TypeScript |
| Evolution SDK | Any | CIP-30, Private Keys, Seeds | Strongly typed, backend/off-chain | JavaScript/TypeScript |
| Cardano Connect with Wallet | React | CIP-30 | Official Foundation library, pre-built UI | JavaScript/TypeScript |
| Lucid | Any | CIP-30 | Full transaction control | JavaScript/TypeScript |
| Direct CIP-30 | Any | CIP-30 | Custom implementations | JavaScript |
Decision Tree
Quick Start Guides
Mesh SDK (5 minutes)
npm install @meshsdk/react @meshsdk/core
import { MeshProvider, useWallet } from '@meshsdk/react';
const { connect, wallet, connected } = useWallet();
await connect('eternl');
const addresses = await wallet.getUsedAddresses();
Documentation: Mesh Docs | GitHub
Evolution SDK (5 minutes)
npm install @intersectmbo/evolution-sdk
import { Lucid } from '@intersectmbo/evolution-sdk';
const lucid = await Lucid.new(provider, network);
const walletApi = await window.cardano.eternl.enable();
await lucid.selectWallet.fromAPI(walletApi);
Documentation: GitHub
Cardano Connect with Wallet (5 minutes)
npm install @cardano-foundation/cardano-connect-with-wallet
import { useCardano } from '@cardano-foundation/cardano-connect-with-wallet';
const { connect, isConnected } = useCardano();
await connect('eternl');
Documentation: Cardano Connect Docs | GitHub
Available Cardano Wallets
Browser Extension Wallets
| Wallet | Developer | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Nami | Community | Light wallet, CIP-30 support |
| Eternl | Community | Multi-platform, advanced features |
| Lace | IOG | Official IOG wallet, dApp connector |
| Flint | Community | Browser extension |
| Typhon | Community | Browser extension |
| Yoroi | Emurgo | Browser & mobile |
| Gero | Community | Browser extension |
| NuFi | Community | Browser extension |
| Vespr | Community | Browser extension |
| Begin | Community | Browser extension |
Full-Node Wallets
- Daedalus - Desktop wallet by IOG (requires full blockchain sync)
Wallet Integration Patterns
1. Payments & Transactions
Enable users to send ADA or tokens through your dApp.
Tools: Mesh SDK, Evolution SDK, Lucid
Verification Options:
- Blockfrost API - Third-party transaction querying
- Cardano Node + CLI - Self-hosted verification
- Cardano Wallet API - Programmatic wallet management
2. Authentication (CIP-8 / CIP-30)
Use wallet as a login mechanism with cryptographic message signing.
Use Cases: Tipping platforms, gated content, decentralized identity
3. Wallet-as-a-Service (WaaS)
Custodial/semi-custodial solutions for non-technical users.
Trade-off: Better UX but introduces centralization
Hands-On Repository
Cardano Demo Wallet Dashboard
Hands-on project demonstrating wallet connection, balance queries, and transaction management using Mesh SDK.
Standards & Specifications
| Standard | Description | Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| CIP-30 | dApp Connector API standard | CIP-30 Specification |
| CIP-8 | Message Signing standard | CIP-8 Specification |
| CIP-95 | Governance features | CIP-95 Specification |
Documentation & Resources
Official Documentation
- Cardano Developer Portal - Central hub for Cardano documentation and guides
- Cardano Docs - Official Cardano documentation
Library Documentation
- Mesh SDK Documentation - Complete guide to Mesh SDK wallet integration
- Evolution SDK GitHub - Evolution SDK repository and documentation
- Cardano Connect with Wallet - Official Foundation library documentation
- Lucid GitHub - Lucid SDK repository and documentation
Additional Resources
- CIPs Repository - All Cardano Improvement Proposals
- Cardano Serialization Library - Low-level library for transaction building
Related Session Materials
- Session Notes - Complete wallet integration guide
- Session Recordings - Video recordings
Referenced by the Q1 2026 Developer Experience Working Group session "Wallet Integration & Developer Experience".