Do you think an ordinal wallet is as complicated as rocket science? Then, this simple guide is for you.
Imagine getting a wallet that holds both Bitcoin and Ordinals, a unique digital treasure. Ordinals are a token that could transform your startup or even a small task of art or collectibles.
Because of this, entrepreneurs want to create a standard wallet before their opponents do. However, creating a wallet that is secure, easy to use, and adaptable might be like traveling through a tunnel without the right tools or direction. This guide is useful in this situation.
Whether you’re building a Bitcoin NFT marketplace or a token-related platform, this blog will give you a shortcut to make it happen in a better way.
Read on to know more!
What is an Ordinal Wallet?
An ordinal wallet is a special type of crypto wallet that allows users to store, transfer, receive, and examine Bitcoin ordinals, a digital asset like NFTs that are directly added into individual satoshis (a small unit of BTC).
When compared to traditional Bitcoin wallets, Ordinal wallets can connect with these inscriptions using a Taproot address (a special kind of Bitcoin address), which allows users to see, buy, and sell from the integrated marketplaces.
Think of it like this:
- A normal crypto wallet holds Bitcoin
- Ordinal wallets hold Bitcoin + digital items like images, text, or NFTs that are attached to specific satoshis.
Ordinal Wallet Development
Ordinal wallet development is the process of developing a wallet that can store, send, receive, and manage Bitcoin ordinals. It can support everything relevant to ordinals, including Bitcoin NFTs, BRC-20 tokens, and inscriptions. Developing an ordinal wallet helps entrepreneurs to create apps that allow users to see, trade, make inscriptions, and manage Bitcoin tokens on a safe, user-friendly platform.
As a leading ordinal wallet development company, Hashcodex supports startups that are confused about this concept and builds with a clear perspective. Our experts are knowledgeable about Taproot integration and advanced inscription tools. So, you don’t need to make it on your own or struggle with jargon. We guide you throughout the project and deliver the best wallet that stays ahead.
Get a free demo and see how your ordinal wallet will look!
Why Do Startups Need an Ordinal Wallet?
An Ordinal wallet is essential for startups because it makes it secure and easy for them to save, send, and handle BRC-20 tokens and Bitcoin Ordinals. Businesses can promote Bitcoin-based digital assets, attract new users, and build apps such as collectible marketplaces, gaming initiatives, and NFT platforms with the help of an ordinal wallet.
Having a special wallet offers entrepreneurs an advantage over competitors, an improved user experience, and an opportunity to capitalize on one of the most popular movements in the blockchain industry, with ordinals' rapid growth.
Here's why this matters:
- Users can examine and exchange their Bitcoin inscriptions with ease.
- Both new Bitcoin-based assets and BRC-20 tokens are supported.
- It helps startups in introducing tokenized or NFT products on Bitcoin.
- Smooth transactions and safe storage increase confidence.
Backend Architecture of a Bitcoin Ordinals Wallet
When you develop a Bitcoin Ordinals wallet, the architecture is very important. It keeps everything working properly and ensures every piece of data is exactly where it should be. A well-built ordinal wallet has three core layers that work together.
Application Layer: What Users See
The desktop interface, website, or mobile app that users engage with is the front gate of your wallet.
Here, people can:
- Examine their inscriptions
- View their Bitcoin balance
- Send and receive satoshis (sats)
- Control BRC-20 tokens
Only the "visual" experience is handled by this layer. Users can view data, but it doesn't handle advanced blockchain logic.
Service / Logic Layer: The mind of the Wallet
This is the smart function of the backend, where the layer makes all the decisions. Its function will:
- Explains the difference between inscribed and standard sats.
- Monitors UTXOs (Unspent Transaction Outputs) to ensure that inscriptions are never lost.
- Creates precise and secure transactions
- Connects to APIs and indexers
- Estimates fees
- Make sure that inscriptions transfer properly across users.
This layer ensures that transactions proceed properly as planned and protects the unique qualities of every inscribed sats.
Blockchain Layer: The Basis
The Bitcoin network is closest to this layer. It consists of:
- A Bitcoin node
- An indexer that is aware of inscriptions
Every inscribed Satoshi is tracked by the indexer, which also notifies the wallet of each one's location. By directly interacting with the Bitcoin blockchain, this layer ensures that everything is safe, accurate, and balanced.
Features Every Crypto Startup Should Include in an Ordinal Wallet
Building an Ordinal wallet is not just for storing Bitcoin; it also requires internal power to maintain inscriptions, information, and special stats. These are the key features that every startup should have.
Monitoring and Inscription Support
Whether it's an image, a written text, or any other type of media, your wallet should allow users to view what's within their inscribed sats. The wallet should show ordinals like actual digital assets rather than bland numbers. This greatly enhances the experience's visual appeal and excitement.
UTXO-Aware Transaction Handling
Bitcoin depends on UTXOs, so a single mistake might cause inscriptions to be lost or mixed up. A decent Ordinal wallet has to be well-equipped to identify the inscribed sats and maintain them during each transaction. This ensures that users never "burn" or accidentally discard their valuable assets.
Transactions Customization (Fees & UTXO Selection)
Users need to have the option to select how quick or affordable their transaction should be. To keep inscriptions secure, the wallet also has to allow the system to choose the right UTXOs. This increases user control and prevents errors that might harm their Ordinals.
Security and Backup Mechanisms
A safe wallet is essential. This involves strong private-key security, seed-phrase backup and restoration, and, ultimately, hardware-wallet support. Regular Bitcoin and expensive inscriptions are protected against hackers and unintentional loss by these features.
Interoperability & Compatibility
Users shouldn't be limited to a single device or location when using your wallet. It should work smoothly on desktop, mobile, and web platforms and integrate with explorers, APIs, and other Bitcoin apps that support Ordinals. Because of this, the wallet is adaptable, portable, and ready for the future.
Integration of Explorer/Metadata
A strong wallet not only displays inscriptions but also tells the whole story. Users can look up inscription details, information, authenticity, and history within the wallet by integrating with indexes and explorers. This creates trust and adds pleasure to finding out.
Step-by-Step Guide to Ordinal Wallet Development
Are you ready to develop your own Ordinal wallet? This is a simple blueprint that guides you from an idea to a working product. Let's break it down.
Step 1: Plan Wallet’s Architecture & Scope
First, decide what your wallet will do. Does it only allow users to store and view Ordinals, or do you need more features like managing BRC-20 tokens, minting inscriptions, or marketplace tools?
Next, list the important components of your system:
- Frontend: What the user sees and engages with
- Business logic or backend: The wallet's decision-making and data processing methods
- Blockchain layer: The relationship between Ordinals indexers and Bitcoin
Step 2: Create Your Development Environment
Next, be prepared with the required tools:
- Use a Bitcoin node (such as Bitcoin Core) to read actual blockchain data.
- Install libraries according to your tech stack (for JavaScript, bitcoinjs-lib is popular).
- Integrate your wallet with an Ordinals indexer so it can identify which sats are inscribed.
Step 3: Develop Basic Bitcoin Wallet Features
Before handling ordinals, your wallet has to run like a standard Bitcoin wallet:
- Create mnemonic phrases (BIP-39)
- Make public and private keys.
- Get Bitcoin addresses; Taproot works best for ordinals.
- Obtain the user's balance and UTXOs from the blockchain
This makes it possible for your wallet to create accounts and access on-chain data.
Step 4: Add Ordinal Logic
Add the following features to make it an Ordinal wallet:
- Navigate UTXOs that have inscriptions
- Analyze information from the Ordinals indexer
- Show inscription details in the form of text, images, or other media.
This allows users to see their digital assets instead of just numbers within the wallet.
Step 5: Allow Inscribed Sats to Send and Receive
When sending an inscribed sat, you must:
- Carefully select the appropriate UTXO.
- Inscribed and regular sats should not be combined.
- Make accurate Bitcoin transactions and sign them
- Send them through the network.
If you need, add the capability for transmitting BRC-20 tokens, which is optional.
Step 6: Add Additional Features (If Required)
Depending on your goal, you can include advanced features like:
- Multiple-signature wallets
- Support for hardware wallets
- Integration of marketplaces
- Gallery-style UI to carefully display inscriptions
Your wallet stands out due to these features.
Step 7: Conduct Extensive Testing
Examine every component of your wallet:
- Building a wallet
- Address creation
- Identification of inscriptions
- Send and receive features
- Data protection and security
Ensure that user data is secure and that nothing breaks.
Step 8: Set Up and Maintain the Wallet
After everything is operating without a glitch:
- Use CI/CD for deployment
- Maintain the good condition of your indexer and node.
- Whenever Ordinals or BRC-20 standards change, update the wallet.
- Include user manuals and documentation.
As blockchain technology advances, you should maintain your wallet continuously.
How Much Does it Cost to Build an Ordinal Wallet?
The cost to build an ordinal wallet could range from $10,000 to $300,000 or more, depending on the features, complexity, and design. Here’s a simple cost breakdown:
- Basic Ordinal Wallet with features like view, hold, send/receive inscribed sats costs around $10,000 – $50,000
- Mid-Level Wallet with inscription minting, BRC-20 support, better security, and cleaner UI will range $30,000 – $100,000
- Advanced Wallet, including marketplace integration, multi-sig, hardware wallet support, and a custom indexer, might cost between $100,000 – $300,000+
If you want the wallet to work on both web and mobile devices or add more capabilities, the price increases. It also rises if your wallet has to run its own Bitcoin node, handle inscribed sats securely, or use stronger safety measures like encryption and cold storage. So, keep your budget accordingly.
Conclusion
If you’re waiting for the right time to enter the ordinal wallet trend, then it’s here.
Nowadays, startups are creating innovative wallets that make the next generation of digital experiences, markets, and apps driven by Bitcoin. That’s where Hashcodex comes in.
We’re a professional crypto wallet development company that offers entrepreneurs clear guidance from design to launch. Our startup-focused methodology, in-depth knowledge of Bitcoin-based businesses, strong safety procedures, and completely customized solutions are the reasons why clients choose us.
With Hashcodex, you’ll get a partner who understands the market needs and helps you build users’ trust.
Contact us right now!
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